I love listening to Terry Gross on NPR. I like the unique insight she provides into the more personal aspects of the various artists and famous folks she interviews.
Remember Kiss, the mediocre heavy metal band back in the eighties that specialized in crazy make up and cod pieces? Terry interviewed Kiss front man Gene Simmons awhile back, where he revealed himself to be one of the most narcissistic people on the planet. I think he may be trying to compensate for something.
It’s a pretty amusing interview, actually, and I think Terry did a pretty good job of dealing with his bloviating. Usually, you can listen to archives of interviews on the NPR website, but not this time. Simmons refused to allow its release. So, I’m offering it here. At least until I hear from Gene’s lawyers. Enjoy.
Gene Simmons and Terry Gross Interview (26 meg mp3)
Jeff Says:
Thank you for providing the Simmons interview… this proves that money can go to your head. He’s a wacko.
inthewayboy Says:
The one week I don’t listen to NPR…not that I’m a KISS fan, but I can appreciate the magnitude of this interview! She always seems to get at least one good question in. Now I’ll just have to stream it…thanx for the post!
Sonja Says:
Thanks a bunch for the audio. I’ve read the interview, but one doesn’t truly appreciate the extent of Simmons’ obnoxious remarks until you hear them. Now I know why he refuses to allow NPR to provide the interview.
pb dot c Says:
I’m going to play Devil’s advocate: It seems to me that Terri Gross sought to prove that Gene Simmons is absurd, when everybody already knows that. Why go out of your way to prove the sun rises in the east?
Polite, Schmolite Says:
Simmons’s right, women can’t handle the truth. The one time when the show truly lived up to its name, but not for anything Gross did.
Gross is priggish, a trait worth what, now, a whole dime a dozen? Simmons has *honest* dignity, a much rarer animal.
Grow up already, Kids.
Keith Says:
Gene Simmons speaks for only one person.. Gene Simmons.
Keith
Evansville, IN
Tony Says:
The only thing smart about Gene Simmons is the fact that he refused to have this audio available to the public. He’s proven himself to be the biggest ass to ever talk on Fresh Air. I listen to Fresh Air on a regular basis and I’ve heard some pretty obnoxius people but nobody tops the obnoxious list like Gene Simmons. It’s clear that some guests have some preconceived opinions about the show and if they don’t like Fresh Air or NPR,they try to hide it. Others, like Gene use their ass instead of their head to show it. Gene didn’t want to challenge questions in a professional manner, he just wanted to make an ass out of himself by degrading Terry and Fresh Air when it was it completely uncalled for. If he really had any brains, he would have have refused the interview in the first place.
stefnfloyd Says:
Thanks for providing this … helped push my afternoon along with a big ol’ smile on my face. Wouldn’t have believed it had I not heard it myslef. Thanks again.
baaadbobby Says:
while you faggots pounder genes words, make your little comments on him, i remind you he lives how he wants, bang the best ass on the planet, makes more in a day than you make in a year, and he’s the fucked up one.
the man is the man, accept it and move the fuck on you little losers
raaaadronnie Says:
Oh yeah, it’s all true, Gene is the proverbial man, just like baaadbobby says:
swingleader Says:
This interview is one of those great controversial moments. How people feel about and react to it reflects their own outlook on life and their character.
I think Terry was predisposed to do her normal interview thing, gene had his points that he wanted to put out to a new audience that he didn’t understand (marketing band, brand, himself, man/woman relationship) and the collision is a rare form of true spontaneous entertainment.
My opinion on his man/woman relationship is that the points he makes are valid, interesting and certainly start good conversations, but they are very simple and shallow points and don’t reflect the complexity of how men and women interact. (e.g. yes, having a lot of money and getting laid a lot is very good, but there is more to life than that)
Ben Says:
Terri did a fairly masterful job at handling one of the biggest douche-bags I’ve heard from in some time. Paralleling the Kiss caricature of the larger-than-life rock band, Simmons’ personna of the megalomanical dipshit is actually outright masterful, if it weren’t so pathetically comical. I suppose that some might even credit him for being quite so honest about his pomposity. But do we really need to give kudos to anyone for exemplifying their sickness so thoroughly? In her handling of this insufferable prick, Terry ironically proves herself to have way more ‘balls’, you might call it, than Simmons will ever have. Gosh, and she doesn’t even need to wear a codpiece to prove it.
Terry Simmons Says:
Mr. Simmons never grew up, he is still the scared little Jewish boy from Israel he became at age ten when he sit foot in Queens. Trying to compensate with money, sex and a laughable attempt at appearing educated. Still, he seems happy and at the end of the day…..
Wille Says:
Gene was himself, nothing wrong with that.
What up Says:
Let’s face it, Terri met her match. Gene was correcting her. He was just being truthful and she was defensive.
He is a very intelligent man who is in touch and knows how to play the game. It’s obvious Terri couldn’t really handle him!
I would love to meet Gene’s Mom!
Tad Says:
Yes, he’s obnoxious; yes, he’s fairly accurate (albeit more than a little exaggerated; this is, after all, the man who wrote “Larger Than Life”) and not at all politically correct; I think these two make a pretty good example of the yin and yang of intelligent people. They will never really be able to understand each other, but they communicate their respective world views in a fairly articulate manner. This is fun in the same way a near-tragedy is fun on “Funniest Home Videos”.
Golublog: An Anthropology Blog · It’s time for the U.S. to SHUT UP Says:
[...] I recently listened to this interview on the BBC with Chinese ambassador Sha Xu Kang. If you were wondering what the Chinese diplomatic equivalent of the Terry Gross/Gene Simmons interview was, this is it. The first 19 minutes go by just fine, until the interviewer starts asking about Taiwan and it starts to ramp up… [...]
brd Says:
I’ve always been entertained by this interview. Mind you, I’m not a huge KISS fan (good for the occasional chuckle), nor am I a big Fresh Aire fan (NPR can’t be all good, all the time). I have never understood anyone who thinks Gross “handled” Simmons here. She seems positively defensive the entire time. And she had reason to: although Simmons may be a pompous, venal egotist, he is also completely honest, forthright and unabashed about it. I am not sure what made Gross think she could cow Simmons into giving up his shame when he clearly has none to give, but she really missed the mark in trying.
Adam Says:
I used to listen to Fresh Air when I believed in redistrubiting wealth. Then I grew up. I heard about this interview on the radio today, and I’m glad someone had it posted on the web. I always enjoy it when a liberal elitist gets embarrassed by a capitalist. I’ve never been a fan of Kiss, but I am now a fan of Gene Simmons. His display of unabashed honesty, intelligence and wit was a real breath of Fresh Air.
morlock Says:
T.Gross was 2 decades behind Simmon’s personal development in the questions she asked.
He is extremely wealthy, not least in that his wealth is unfettered by obligations to shareholders.
He has done the responsible thing with his freedom from struggle in making long and unflinchingly honest study of his position in relation to others, incl women.
Gross could have provided tremendous insight to listeners by allowing Simmons to earnestly expound on the facts of elite existance he has had the luxury of learning, a perspective few, if any, NPR listeners will ever know firsthand.
Instead she emphasized the long out of date, superficially tawdry aspects of Simmons’ alter ego brand name.
Simmons tried to give a good interview;
Gross’ defensive cliches prevented him from doing so.
She acted oblivious to his jovial irony, so making the interview about herself instead of her subject.
I never realized before how incompetent she is when faced by genuine power.
She is too lightweight for her job.
If, in fact, Simmons forbade NPR archival, he did Gross a favor in hiding her incompetence.
optyman Says:
I listened to this interview back when it originally aired in February, 2002 on Fresh Air. This morning I tried to find an archival file of this interview, only to see that Gene did not give permission for this interview to be repeated on the internet, nor in transcript form. If I were him, I wouldn’t either. He made a fool of himself.
My initial reactions to the interview was that I couldn’t believe what I was hearing from Gene Simmons. I was in shock the whole interview.
My take on listening to this again (on this web site) was that this was Gene Simmons attempting to pick-up Terry Gross in front of an on-air national audience, whereas Terry Gross was just trying to get a take on Gene Simmons. I would suspect that if you attended a party with Gene and if you overheard him talking to anyone else that he was interested in, his conversation would not be any different than the one we heard on-air. Gene stated that if he walked into a party, he’d be walking out with your girlfriend supports this stance. His goals of conquest and on life in general are of a primitive nature, and that he really has not experienced life to the fullest. Gene needs to learn that life is not just lived in bed….but you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
Marty M Says:
I listened to the audio & read the transcript. She was asking him dumb questions about his makeup and spitting blood. If this is a “thinking person’s” type show then why not really probe his mind. She was in many ways trying to belittle him. He stood his ground and he let her know that he is also articulate, just because he is promiscuious is no reason to think he is not as intelligent as she it, if not more. I really do not think he was hitting on her. You all should look at a picture of her and you would realize this yourselves. She hates men that have not been feminized, he is the epitome of what she despises. She wants to be a man, she cannot ever be a man, so she takes it out on guys like Gene, unfortunately for her she did not realize before hand that he is very intelligent regardless of what any of you think of his view of women.
Henry Rozycki Says:
As a fan of Fresh Air, I was shocked and offended at how crude and obnoxious Mr. Simmons was to Ms. Gross, whom I thought of as an intelligent, well-informed and polite interviewer who was always well-prepared and could often pry out revealing aspects of her guests. Thanks to this copy, I feel the need to amend that. First to Mr. Simmons - he was pitching a book that had, as its selling point, the same sort of self-absorbed bravura that he showed during the interview. He was also, I think, trying to bait Ms. Gross into reacting. In between the lines, he did come across as an only child of a Holocaust survivor who then quickly became an adored rock star. He also came across as provocative and adept at using the same kind of almost ad hominem style seen in certain fair and balanced interviews. Ms. Gross, on the other hand, seems to have been less well-prepared than usual. If she had read his book beyond the headline-grabbing bits about 4600 women (which was prominently mentioned in the Publisher’s Weekly blurb), she might not have been suprised by his interview style. Also, as an interviewer with perhaps more experience than almost anyone else on this side of the Atlantic, I am surprised that she took his bait of her and became so defensive. Surely, journalism schools teach simple techniques of keeping the interviewer out of the subject matter. When Mr. Simmons mentioned NPR and criticized it, asking him if he listens to it would predictibly invite another attack, one likely to include Fresh Air given the previous 15 minutes or so. If Ms. Gross wanted to engage this topic, she might have asked whether Mr. Simmons thinks everything should sound the same or like Kiss and then maybe what kind of music he listens to, etc.
Second hearing raises Mr. Simmons and diminishes Ms. Gross, to my ears but only in the limited circumstances of guests like this one. Thanks for posting it.
Kliffee Says:
Man, why doesn’t anyone have a sense of humor? Gene Simmons was hilarious in that interview. It’s like he said, ‘Women always wish a man will be honest with them. Then when they are, they call them obnoxious and a pig. Gene Simmons speaks what most if not all men feel. Terry took him way too seriously.
Jizzabomb Says:
‘Women always wish a man will be honest with them. Then when they are, they call them obnoxious and a pig.’
SO TRUE.
Avago Says:
How sad it is, when cliches are touted as philosophy and reason.
This interview had its moments, even if those moments are the sole result of the discontinuity between this and the other, generally excellent interviews that have come out of Fresh Air.
YuppiePunk » Blog Archive » Sealed with KISS Says:
[...] The weirdest thing about “Gene Simmons Family Jewels” is that the tongue-dangling KISS frontman isn’t nearly the misogynistic jerk he seems to be in interviews (like his infamous sparring with Terri Gross on “Fresh Air”: mp3 | transcript). The new series, which airs on A&E, is essentially “The Osbournes,” only a whole lot tamer, and with a different hard rock icon as patriarch. But the rest of the formula is similar, as cameras capture the home life of Simmons and his family, which include teenage kids Nick (17) and Sophie (14), and Playboy Playmate partner Shannon Tweed. [...]
liberal socialist nerdy type Says:
Okay, take someone who has lived an interesting, atypical life, ask them on a show where such people discuss events, insights, anecdotes, and all he’ll say is
“I am the greatest cause i’ve fucked everyone, and you and all your listeners are included in those I am superior to.”
Fuck yeah that’s obnoxious. Call it honesty if you want to, I’d prefer he shut the fuck up. If he had said it gives him pleasure to fart that’d be honest too, doesn’t mean I want to hear all about it.
Michael Says:
After reading through the various posts on this blog I was honestly surprised at the number of people who were defending Gene Simmons. Regardless of whether or not you believe that he exemplifies a “real man’s” persona or that he was merely being “honest”, Simmons is truly a man who has lost a grip on reality. I find it hard to believe that some listeners thought his total self-absorption and obsession with money were admirable qualities. His ability to reduce and simplify the complexities of life to 2-minute sound bites only further demonstrated what a wacko he is. Take a listen again folks. Simmons opines as if he speaks for all of civilization. Well, I for one wouldn’t want that imbecile speaking for me.
persephone Says:
What an amazing interview!
That man is extraordinary. I’ve heard that this little radio chat was funny, but I never thought it would be so profound.
Hats off to Gene Simmons.
His honesty is refreshing, particularly now when we’re bombarded with bullshit from all sides. This is not to say that I agree with everything he said, but I’m very impressed with the way he said it. That man could back up each point rationally, which is more than can be said for most public figures.
I’m going to find that book and I’m going to pass this sound recording to everyone I know who will appreciate it.
Simmons is one in a million. I don’t like his music, but now I admire the man who makes it.
As to all you haters, and there are plenty, I suggest you listen to that recording again. Ask yourself how well you could defend your own beliefs. Would you have followed Terry Gross like a dog, or would you have stood up and stated your real position on life, especially if that position isn’t popular.
Thanks to the person who posted this. Think about putting it up on YouTube…
matthew Says:
do you think simmons has fucked peoples wives while they were at show with them?
7beers Says:
Gene Simmons was rude and rambling in that interview. I think it has to do with his growing up in Israel, because his style is reminiscent of so many Israelis I’ve met.
simple_truth Says:
Who says that only a woman can sell her body? What the hell planet is this guy from?
Pez D Spencer Says:
Gene Simmons is certainly an enigma. It’s hard to believe that the fire-breathing and blood-spitting rocker is a non-drinker/non-drug user with a college education, who also speaks 5 languages. Regardless of how you feel about him or his views, which are indeed polarizing in their brutal honesty, Gene is the epitome of the American Dream.
Yes, Gene is narcissistic, but he’ll be the first one to admit it. He was so into himself and needed attention so much that he admittedly got into teaching because the classroom provided him with a captive audience.
Yes, Gene loves money and all the trappings of fame. However, that is perhaps driven more by the fact that he was a poor Israeli immigrant who came from nothing, was ridiculed as a child because he couldn’t speak English, and now those people work for him.
Yes, Gene “loves” women and hates marriage, yet he and Shannon have a relationship that has lasted longer than many marriages, and he’s been shown to be a devoted father as well.
Through it all, Gene Simmons has never pretended to be someone he isn’t, unlike some people including pseudo-intellectual liberals who can’t pronounce words in Hebrew.
Rockets Redglare Says:
Why was this interview not made available via NPR archives? I don’t know why either party would want to hide the interview. To me, it is excellent radio and more spontaneous than what we normally get. Gene seemed sane to me, if not a bit conceited.
Vincent Madrigal Says:
OK I have to admit that YES most times the way Gene acts is outrageous and showman like. But if you look past the show and listen to the meaning of his words there is NOTHING at all wrong with him, if anything what he is saying is exactly how soo many of us should live our lives.
Thanks so much for posting this interview.
Julie Says:
I admit that I’ve given a fair amount of thought to what Gene Simmons must have been thinking when he went on Fresh Air. He clearly fancies himself one of the more eloquent former rock stars, as evidenced by his attempt at a smooth, thoughtful radio voice, so I was prepared for some pedantomania of the “yes, I might be a rock star but listen to how articulate I am” variety. I figured he would sound like an academic, telling us about KISS’s place in popular culture, the band’s success, his own intellectual prowess. And he had a forum in which he could actually speak uninterrupted! When I heard the original broadcast, I thought it was a joke.
Simmons’s behavior must have based on one of two things: (1) he wasn’t ready to be interviewed by someone who wasn’t lobbing softballs at him and feeding him kiss-ass questions, and he reacted like an angry pubescent boy; or (2) he is a genius in self-promotion and knew that by being an unbelievable prick, people would talk about this interview for years to come. He must have known that Terry had been hosting Fresh Air for 15 years and had interviewed people of much more consequence than an aging rock star whose trademark was violently wagging his tongue while wearing clown makeup and platform shoes. How better to distinguish himself than by saying appalling things?
As much of a dick as he is (or appears to be), there is something interesting about Gene Simmons as a character. He is unapologetic about his lifestyle and his lack of belief in monogamy, and seems to enjoy it when people try to pin their values on him. Whether he is really fulfilled or, as one poster put it, just a scared Jewish kid off the boat is anybody’s guess.
Sydney Says:
Actually, I heard this interview when it aired. They got off on the wrong foot immediately with Terry Gross and Simmmons sparring over his comment that assumed she was not Jewish, which she immediately claimed to be a misapprehension on his part.
The first time I heard the interview I wasn’t listening carefully and I missed many instances where Gross blatantly told Simmons he had no sense of humor over this or that. She was fairly defensive and missed many opportunities for good interview lead-ins, such as the one where Simmons said, “My mother told me that every day above ground was a good day.” Basically saying, I suppose, carpe diem. And live your life by your own terms while you’re at it. Now THAT would have been a good lead-in, particularly given his ancestry. But she was persistently stuck to questions on her script that were actually not all that interesting.
And at the beginning of the interview, in case it was missed, Simmons basically said, I’m not going to take this that seriously. We are talking about a band, not rocket science. He didn’t use the word rocket science, but you get my point. He had a sense of humor. She didn’t. In my opinion he should have released it for archiving.
Terry Gross 0 - Gene Simmons 1
Rock guy Says:
First of all, Terry’s first question was pretty obnoxious.
This is Rock n’ Roll, people. We are about freedom. We use profanity. We don’t give a fuck what you think. We strip away the shallow veneer of your so called civilization.
If your kids don’t turn out how you want, it’s your fault. Not ours.
Deal with it, or not, we don’t care.
addie Says:
he is what he is. Terry’s questions were lame in that silly therapy way, but right off the bat he was kind of ass-y.
Rock guy Says:
Terry Gross: Let’s start with the makeup. Did you like being covered up on stage, did it make you feel any less vulnerable, or any less like Gene Simmons or your other names — Gene Klein or Chaim White, which was your birth name?
This was the first question. First of all, she did not even get his birth name right. Also, her question regarding the makeup is condescending. No wonder he want “ass-y” right off the bat.
Rock guy Says:
Terry Gross: Let’s start with the makeup. Did you like being covered up on stage, did it make you feel any less vulnerable, or any less like Gene Simmons or your other names — Gene Klein or Chaim White, which was your birth name?
The was the first question. Not only did she not his birth name right, but the question isn’t merely lame, its condescending. No wonder he went “ass-y” right off the bat.
Rocky Says:
“and now for your entertainment…Gene Simmons!”
When you talk to a congressman, you will always get some politics; when you talk with a comedian, you will always get a joke. So when you talk to GS, you will always get his shtick.
I think Terry would have benefited from a little (little more) background work on GS before the interview. She should have just rolled with some of his punches so as to not fuel his remarks. Kudos to Gene for keeping a good attitude throughout it all.
And to all, Gene did say on several occasions that his answers were of his own personal opinions. Real answers or staged, he took all of the responsibility.
America…presenting Gene Simmons!!!
Professor Says:
Wow… I don’t know what is says about me, but I agree with most of what Simmons said AND I love the way he conducted himself. How can one not admire his honesty and FREEDOM? That is what he kept getting at with the money thing: he is a rich, healthy, adult male rock star, so he doesn’t have to talk in euphemisms or polite bullshit.
When she said ‘not all men are like you,’ and he said ‘yes they are; we just lie to you all…’
Guys, you can continue to placate the women by pretending that this interview is proof that Gene is some knuckle-dragging misogynist but he was simply keeping it real. And funny. And inciteful.
Andy Says:
Terry went into the interview thinking she is right and Gene Simmons needed to navigate around her.
She exposed her assumptions to everyone. She wanted to disliked him before the interview started.
Dendrite Says:
Gene Simmons can fool some into thinking he’s eloquent and erudite, but when you consider the manner in which he constructs his thoughts, moves from one pre-formulated aphorism to another, and pontificates on the mundane, it is readily apparent that he’s merely a smart ass rather than a dumb ass. He ain’t no intellectual.
Rock ‘n’ roll has always been primarily about prolonged puberty. Gene’s no exception.
I spent a 1/2 day with Gene Simmons in connection with a television production. Just me, Gene and a couple of my staff. It would have been just a few hours except for the fact that we couldn’t get him to leave and we politely failed to ask. No one asked him for an autograph or to pose for a picture. When we work with celebrities we NEVER do those things. They tend to prefer it that way. Gene seemed to be a bit flummoxed by it. During the days before he arrived I was told many times over the course of several phone calls from one of his representatives that we “…shouldn’t worry. Gene’s very professional.” I was never concerned, but I heard it so many times that I began to wonder. His limo took him the entire 150 yards from the hotel to my facility. Despite the lack of any crowd (or interest), his people demanded that our building security meet him at the curb. He was immediately mistaken by a young African American woman for Steven Segal. Gene quickly pointed back and retorted, “Oprah Winfrey.” OK, a quick witted smart ass; I’ll give you that. His eyes then locked on a staff member’s chest and didn’t stray during the time it took to get from the curb; into elevator and up to our floor. Later he tried to impress her by pressing his hairy (dyed jet black) chest against her glass office door. Interest wasn’t even feigned. His political rant… well… I’m not going there. And no, it wasn’t about Israel or Palestine or the Middle East or Republicans & Democrats.
It was clear throughout his stay that every conversation, whether on the record or not, had to be about one thing: Gene Simmons. He had no interest in anyone else’s thoughts –in fact had no interest in listening to anyone but himself. That was pretty clear in the Terry Gross interview as well.
Gene Simmons is Gene Simmons. No very likable, but easily enough avoided if need be. Fodder for stories. Buy me a some beers and I’ll tell you a few more.
George Says:
Now that Gene Simmons Family Jewels on A&E has aired two sessions we see how he is. Take it or leave it. I read the transcript first and heard the interview second.
Clearly the lady did not get his name right was retarded. Who cares if she is Jewish, her pronunciation of a hebrew name was pathetic. Also I never saw fish nets on the “Demon”. Last why do men want to be with woman, there vagina, thus the open legs comment. Crude, rude and disrespectful yes, but why should he KISS her ass? He does not care.
The make up deal was a bore. Its make up for Gosh sakes. I understand Rock N Roll in the 70’s. I was in high school in the late 70’s and KISS was unique. Never a big fan, but I got what they where doing.
Yes he is cynical, money is everything and marriage is a joke. A lot of people think that he’s just says it for affect. He believes it and lives it. There is some truth in his opinion by the way, at least if you are not a hippie. His reason for getting into a band, to get laid. It’s truth. Stop being a bunch of wussies.
Gene’s “attitude” is Gene’s attitude. It works for him. God knows there are men and woman that are miserable married or poor. Some people should not get married. However he’s been with Shannon Tweed so long that if they broke up, she would get get all the divorce money of a wife, common law and all.
Are hypocrites like David Vitter and Mark Foley better than a man that admits what he does and does it. I know a lot of men would love to live his life. Not me, but a good amount of people (if you are honest with yourself).
He is an enigma. He does no drugs or alcohol, and he’s a family man, a Jewish boy with bushy black hair who was in the most successful Rock N Roll make-up band in history. He set the way for all the hair bands of the 80’s and even some “new wave” acts.
I think its great. I think MORE MEN SHOULD FIND THERE CAJONES AND ACT LIKE MEN AND NOT LET WOMAN RULE THEM. Even the bible says men should be leaders; learn to lead and not follow. I am sure Terry is a total woman’s lib gal who thinks woman should have any roll in life that a man has. That is a lie. Not better or worse but men are men and woman are woman and there are rolls. I am sick of “30 something” single woman with a masters in libiral arts or english thinking their unhappiness is because of men. That is who listens to NPR. The only good thing on NPR is “Car Talk” and “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me”.
Terry Gross had a big stick up her a$$. No offense to Terry Gross. Make-up, fire eating where boring stupid questions. Not knowing the name was unforgivable for a so called Pro. BTW Gene is rocking more jew in his little finger than Terry has in her whole body. I am sure she has rejected any part of religion and way.
Gene Rocks. Last, NPR should take some marketing lessons from Gene. He apparently has a gift. He came up with “I am INDY” for the Indy Race League car race series, including the Indy 500. I think Gene was a dick, but so what. Terry HAD NO CLUE WHO SHE WAS INTERVIEWING AND WHAT THIS GUY WAS ABOUT OR EVEN ROCK AND ROLL. MY GOD ITS ROCK AND ROLL LADY!!!!! (not folk rock lilith fair rock)
(I know this interview is old but I knew about it from Tom Leykis, but never heard it till now. I am disappointed. It was not that bad. Gene is very mild tempered and not a yeller for sure.)
Genes kids are not Jews Says:
If your mother is a Jew THEN your Jewish and has nothing to do with the father. {Only tribal affiliation}
Shannon Tweed ain’t a Jew and has never converted SO that makes his kids non Jews according to the state of Israel and Jewish law as there is no such thing as a half Jew.
Kel Says:
I met Gene in 2000 in Tucson during the whole Kiss Farewell Tour. I was truly looking forward to meeting a legend and was really disappointed. His whole persona is “wanna be”. He’s not a babe magnet unless you consider saggy old biker/rock gals “babes”. He truly thinks he’s a sex god and was undulating his hips and tonguing the air at the more attractive of our female staff who responded with stoicism and disinterest. The more uninterested they were, the harder he tried. It was pathetic really and we were embarrassed for him.
Some have mentioned above that he “tells it like it is” between men and women. Not really. His whole perception of male/female relations is from a rockstar point of view when the only interactions these people have is with gold digging groupies. Not what I would call real ladies and in no way reflects my relations or interactions with my wife or other women I’ve been with.
People like George who commented above that Terri (& other women) a women’s lib gag who blames men for their failings in life should stick to their biblical role are just as pathetic as Nazi feminists. Men like that tend to be men who blame women because they can’t get laid themselves due to their own failings.
Gene is a business man. Nothing more, nothing less. He’s got a great marketing staff and has made wise investments. That is where his success lies. It doesn’t lie with women. Having 4600 notches on your belt or better yet TAKING THE TIME TO KEEP COUNT is a real eye into the soul of a child desperate for acceptance and attention - not a true man.
JH Says:
He spoke 100 percent absolute truth. Truth unfortunately is shocking to some who live in a fantasy world such as Terry Gross apperantly has.
Andrew Says:
Thank you for posting this.
I have a quick point regarding this ridiculous human being - if he is such a rock and roll badass, who lives how he lives, and doesn’t care a bit about what the world thinks… then why did he insist that NPR not make this interview available online?
It seems a bit disingenuous to me.
Personally, I found him to be absurd. At no point did he actually listen to Terri Gross speak, or consider any of the questions she tried to ask… instead he sat for the interview, marinating in his own OBVIOUS stew of resentment and low self-image… both, probably, the result of being in a clownish, lame rock band whose better days were back in the 1980s… when moussed hair and checker-print pants were considered cool.
He’s presumptuous and ignorant… and wrote some of the most inane music ever to hit the “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” bin at Kmart.
Jim Says:
He’s on crack
Menudo's air guitar player Says:
2 unusually ugly, unfortunate-looking individuals with little more going for them talent-wise than the art of self-promotion, got into a hissy-fight with each other on the air. Go figure. Let’s be real, if controversial questions weren’t asked and controversial answers weren’t given, these folks would’ve gotten far less publicity off of this interview. And neither one wanted that, hence the manufactured premeditated verbal spar that took place.
DHem Says:
Simmons is a good interview and a unique personality, but I wish he’d, at long last, be candid about that ridiculous hair weave of his. Yes, I know it’s odd that it’s the biggest problem I have with him, but it is.
Sri Says:
I like listening to Fresh Air although I think Terry Gross is a lightweight interviewer. Better on soft topics than hardball interviews. And the interviews with Bill O’Reilly, whom I think is a dick, and Gene Simmons proved it.
Terry handled both interviews very badly. Gene Simmons was being a pompous rock star and perhaps he was being honest about it. However, he made some very interesting points which Terry should have followed up on. Unfortunately she seemed stuck on the script. Who cares about how he removes his makeup or if he breaks out from it.
Terry never seems to ask the one extra question that gets into the heart of the matter (although that is true of most interviewers).
I have never been a big KISS fan but I do own one album: Music From The Elder. It is an excellent concept album. Listen to it when you get a chance. Not your usual head banging stuff. You will be surprised.
AZMDTG Says:
If Terry had been smart, she would have pursued his quote about how a woman had to have her legs open as well as her arms. So, is he saying that woman are only worthy if they are sexual toys? Do guys have to bend over and spread their cheeks if they come with open arms? She didn’t ask good questions and he got by with belittling her because of this.
He is obviously a misogynist and has some deep seated problems when it comes to women. Kind of weird when you consider how he puts his mom on a pedestal. Maybe he has an Oedipus Rex complex.
Stranger Says:
I heard the interview today on NPR. It made me sweat. I was fascinated and anxious throughout. Not sure why. I found myself rooting for Simmons. beleaguered undefunded NPR, hanging by a thread, seemed somehow, in that interview, to be embodying this shrewish, shrill, consciousness against which so many imbeciles like Rush Limbaugh rail. But Simmons was not an imbecile. He was witty. Deranged in many ways, crude, gross ( not pun) but sharp. I rooted for him, and then when he started with the 4600 I cringed.
Some of these comments above are very smart. One said:
“Having 4600 notches on your belt or better yet TAKING THE TIME TO KEEP COUNT is a real eye into the soul of a child desperate for acceptance and attention - not a true man.”
Yes, and because of that… very interesting! Because of his Jewish and Israeli background, his experience of America as an immigrant… very interesting. And Terry Gross could not leave the script, and could not roll with the flow of his craziness. And although he almost defeated himself with his crudity and inane remarks, her defensiveness in the end made him seem almost like… a hero! Very confusing! That exchange at the end when she makes this condescending remark about his true nature hopefully not being what he put on display, and he fires back, “and I hope when you go home you’re not this boring…” Wow, sharp and alive somehow, even if totally stupid. The whole thing stirred me up and, I must say, made me think much less of Terry Gross and her show. Not sure why. Was it her priggishness, which in the end was less preferable, as company, to the witty, lewd, inane but, as has been remarked, refreshingly uncooperative vibe of Simmons?
FreshAirFan Says:
I heard the interview tonight for the first time. I’d heard about it but with Simmon’s blocking of the broadcast of it (well now - doesn’t THAT in itself tell you he is semi-aware that hmmm…. maybe he WASn’T as upstanding as he would like to think he is…), had never gotten to hear it initially. Oy - unbelievable, this guy is.
Per the comment by a listener above re compensating for something. Yup. The man is the only child of a holocaust survivor. He has a double whammy to deal with and this is what happens. She invested every dream of survival into that child to get by spiritually herself. He grows up thinking that he is literally superior to everybody else. Add to that the very fact of his not having any siblings to struggle with re socialization at all - bingo, you get one helluvan obnoxious self-righteous child in a man’s body. It’s not so hard to imagine Mr. Simmon’s easily morphed onto the character of a 4 year old boy.
The man has a view of women that is infantile and indicates the mother fixation deal.
Bottom line, he was feeling pretty insecure from the sound of that interview. That he felt so compelled to be that condescending and self-righteously indignant in order to help himself feel superior to Terry - let’s just all pray for the guy. Or better yet, for his poor wife and kids who undoubtedly have to endure a shallow and frightening existence around this sick a*hole.
Lastly, I’d like to say that his facts regarding Judaism, Hebrew, et al are wrong. But again, with his upbringing - he needs to cling to the idea that somehow he is right and knows what he’s pontificating on. Humility is not within his emotional vocabulary and the fact that he would use religion in order to demean someone, I dunno folks - if I were a neighbor or a teacher… I’d just kind of be keeping an eye and ear out for problems that could later on be a concern to others.
I think he is a very sick man who is suffering. Delusional and filled with insecurity. The money just keeps him from growing up and perhaps gaining even a small amount of the socialization skills.
GeneSimmonson Says:
Hey folks - The reason Mr. Simmons is with Tweed is because somebody has to take care of the kids and clean the house. People, get a clue. By not marrying her, he keeps the money and she gets the kids, basically. He gets to check that off of his male adequacy checklist and she gets to check that off of her female adequacy list. he found someone as well who has a low enough sense of self esteem that she is willing to turn away from the opportunities to be more than a breeder and maidservant.
KissOff Says:
I just caught a replay of this last night - funny stuff! So, according to a previous post, Gene is the man because he has wealth, hot babes to bang and so on and so forth. Well, yeah that sounds pretty good I’ll have to admit, but you could find examples of someone with these things who is actually a pleasant personality as well. When I was a boy Simmons persona might have seemed alluring, but as a grown man it just seems like the over inflated whacking off of a minimally talented hack.
Sorry, but Ms. Gross wins this one hands down.
Ward Says:
The interview is now available on NPR’s website HERE
Linda Says:
I’ve been SO entertained by “Gene Simmons’ Family Jewels.” This family is smart and witty compared to “The Osbornes.” Poor Gene! In the tv show he is totally controlled by his partner and his children who appear to be intelligent and well-adjusted. He’s not quite emasculated but all most so I was amused to hear his bravado with Terry Gross. I think he went in to this interview on the defensive. He probably thought NPR listeners would not think he was smart and that’s why he sprinkled his vocabulary with longer words and then self-consciously defined them for the audience. His children truly are jewels so he must be doing something right.
skppen Says:
While I listen quite frequently to NPR, I confess I’m not a Terry Gross fan. I find her a poor interviewer. The interview with Gene Simmons only helped to strengthen that view.
Gene Simmons comes off as an arrogant, womanizing self-promoter. I don’t care. His approach to life seems to work for him and he’s clearly comfortable talking about it and challenging society’s “norms”.
Throughout the entire interview, Simmons was cool, calm and collected, while Terry Gross was often flustered and changed the subject to such interesting topics as how Gene takes off his makeup.
Gross didn’t do her homework for this interview. She seemed genuinely surprised that Simmons practices what he preaches.
Simmons summed up the whole interview in a few sentences: “I’m not delusional in thinking what I do is important. The world can get along very well without us (meaning him and Ms. Gross). Our job is to entertain. I’m very entertaining, I don’t know about you.” I’m sure that last comment stuck in Gross’ craw.
Dave Says:
Just heard NPR’s repeat of the 2002 Gene Simmons interview. Wow! Absolutely the most entertaining interview ever heard on NPR’s Fresh Air! Both parties came with an agenda, and both were not particularly well-informed of the other.
Yes, Gene Simmons was self-centered, vulgar and outrageous. Terry Gross could not compete with him in the interview, although she did sometimes try to exchange insults.
Gross is a good interviewer, so long as the guest allows her to be in control. But I do wonder if SHE is really as passionately uptight as the personna she projects on NPR?
The interview did not hurt the careers of either Simmons or Gross. It was entertainment. Pure fun…which Gross could use more of in her programs.
The program reminded me of Jack Nicholson’s character sparring with Nurse Ratched. Yeah, Jack!
Joe Says:
Every Kiss song I’ve heard is crap except “Domino.” But Chiam Witz (Gene) is right. You got money, you fuck whoever you want. Why are people so shocked by that? Isn’t that fact of life, numero uno?
Gary Says:
Gene Simmons’s acquired wealth affords him the freedom to be the person he wishes to be without regard to what others would see him be if only they were in charge of him.
That obviously irritates quite a few people.
khandnalie Says:
Gene Simmons is the lead singer of KISS!! He has pretty much earned the right to act however the hell he wants.
You don’t argue with a Rock n’ Roll God
bugfat Says:
The fact that most of you don’t get it is absolutely hilarious. He is not a morally upstanding individual he doesn’t seek your acceptance. HE JUST WANTS YOUR MONEY. It’s not rocket science it’s capitalism. The reason he doesn’t let it fly about is MONEY he wants to make money on it. And since he can’t he creates controversy about it and creates greater buzz about him. Terry while a nice person is an idiot, and so are you if you think that Gene would act any different then he did, or should act different then he did.
People have the God given right to be stupid, arrogant, intelligent, right, wrong or what ever and you don’t have the right to tell me or anyone else different. I guess you have the right to tell me it just means I don’t have to listen.
So when you become mature enough to understand that the world is made up of a myriad of people, all with the right to be different from you, then you might understand. Good luck in your quest for intellect.
Mick Says:
Thanks so much for this! I’ve been looking forward to hearing this for some time. What a fascinating dude! He’s totally obnoxious in every way, but remains interesting as hell for his studied and almost painstaking disdain for propriety, decency, kindness, and humility. I mean, he’s a total bastard, but as the poster above points out, he’s still got us talking about him!
Henrik Says:
What a pathetic little man.
Veritas Says:
Gene is a no nonsense dude. Her pretentious crap came out early and often. So, she deserved every second of it. Gene was brilliant.
Shrink Says:
He really needs help. Behind the bravado is a scarred persona. His sense of inadequacy is self evident.
Matt Says:
It was like watching a cold front hit hot air… a massive storm erupted! Great entertainment!
Joe Says:
I remeber listening to this interview when it was first aired and laughing my ass off. Thanks Gene. Terri fared better when she interviewed James Hetfield and Rob Halford. Probably cuz ones been in therapy and the other is homosexual. Gene just came in like a bulldozer and ran her over. I like Terri Gross, but she did a very poor interview with Mr. Simons.
???? Says:
you guys are taking gene WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY too seriously.
obviously gross did too, and she came off as totally stuck up.
Heather Says:
Gene Simmons must have been trying to assume Terry’s last name as an identity during this interview. I was shocked and appalled. It is very rare that I actually feel as though I have been verbally insulted while listening to an interview.
It’s both about what he said — the entire coming to him with open arms and open legs thing, and the way in which he said it. As though he is entitled in some way to approach perfect strangers in such a way. I hate being spoken to like that and would not handle it well if I were at work.
Asking questions about Gene Simmon’s on stage persona is fair game in an interview. Especially because so many of Gene Simmon’s interviews in the past (or at least the ones that I have read) focus on his acting like a rock star instead of on how he feels about being a rock star. I am always interested in Fresh Air, because Terry Gross asks questions that are not asked in other interviews. Through this process, she generally gets a unique response.
This interview was definitely unique, but I don’t think it worked to make Gene Simmons look like a good guy. I also do not understand the idea that he is just being “honest.” Especially this stuff about him representing the view of a “real man” or whatever. There is no “real man.” Men that are not rich cannot talk to women that I know like that without getting slapped. Not to mention that maleness comes in many different forms and many different attitudes. There is no essential male point of view. There is no essential female point of view.
To posit this interview as some kind of showing of essential male versus essential female is simplifying the human existence to the point of complete absurdity.
Terry Gross has interviewed many MEN and many men that could be considered men’s men. This has not been a commonplace display, so I cannot help but think that she is not really at fault here. And I don’t think it is because everyone else she has interviewed “lacks balls” or anything.
Gene Simmons sounds like a pissed-off fifteen year old boy trying to intellectualize. Which could be why so many people thought it was “funny.”
Anita Says:
Even though I disagree with Gene and many of his notions about life he isn’t a blank and is interesting and without wanting to be rude like the girling asking the questions!
fluxboy Says:
Gene blew this interviewer out of the water. What was her name?
(Note to the interviewer: The “I’m-an-indignant-woman” schtick is old hat. Find a new vice.)
Funny interview. Gene completely stole the frame. But then, that’s what rock stars do. Even old, fat, balding ones.
aeg Says:
Folks,
First off Terry is wonderful. I just heard this interview and thought it was at first funny but then after awhile you could tell the tension was building and then I started to get interested.
After reading through the posts I was shocked to see how many people were in favor of Simmons! I can only assume the average age of the folks that are submitting the posts is very young because many folks actually thought Simmons was insightful. I found his positions on things to be very shallow and morally shameful.
I could not tell but do you really think that is really Simmons or just a persona? If he is really like that then I feel a bit sorry for him. I would give up all his money not to be like that.
At any rate, I think he got to Terry and she probably took the interview in a direction that she might have otherwise, but I liked it.
Lastly, everyone is talking about how they admire Simmons for his unabashed honesty but what about Terry? At one point Simmons asked about the interview and she said it was kind of a drag because he was just giving speeches and stuff. That was great.
I will score it… Terry 4 and Simmons 1
Flamman Says:
Gene Simmons IS Gene Simmons, he’s not pretending to be some holy man whose standards are above anyone else. He speaks for himself, and are not ashamed of being Gene Simmons.
Moral? What is it but the majoritys politically corrected views? If the mentally disordered were in majority then we’d had a totally different view of the meaning of moral.
It’s obvious that ms Gross can’t handle Gene Simmons’ “incorrectness”, because it really disturbs her. He’s being frank, speaking his own truth of how life is meant to be. He’s living it, and are not ashamed about it.
Yasker Says:
It wasn’t necessarily just what GS said in the interview that made him come across as an asshat, it was the delivery.
Why did you get into performing rock?
“To get laid and make money.”
That would have been keeping it real.
“To get laid and make money. you know, there’s nothing else to life. huffapufflepuff… here are my obvious and trite observations on life, and it will only take me a few lectures to get it across. Don’t worry, I promise not to add anything novel or frank to the conversation. Just recycled platitudes I rehearsed and repeat ad nauseum.”
I get the feeling, based on the simpleminded defenses of GS on this blog, that people on KISS websites talk about how awesomely “real” GS is in interviews, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Get a new idol fools, and take off your not-ass-tinted glasses.
Zap Alley » Blog Archive » Strip for Nov 19th 2007: Chutzpah Says:
[...] Gene Simmons is a douchebag. I don’t think this is a particularly revolutionary statement, the man has proved it amply over the years. Whether he’s spouting off juvenile sexual innuendo to a public radio interviewer, or as in the latest example, explaining where the music industry went wrong to a Reuters reporter, he’s proven that he is constituted of pure, concentrated asshole. [...]
Doug Gibson Says:
Clearly, NPR and Simmons are working together to a mutually beneficial situation. First, it got my interest to want to hear the interview, and so Simmons and Terry benefit. Someone once said ‘all publicity is good’. Even NPR needs money; hence it needs spice. Second, Gene has no more shame than she does and no less. Her radio liberal ’shtick’ is no more an act than his ‘demon lover’ persona. He wants to perform publicly for the same reason she does, and you will know what I mean if you heard the interview. GOD only knows what they did after the interview. I had never heard of NPR before hearing about the interview being banned. Forbidden fruit tastes sweeter and the serpent knows that, pardon the pun. Sure got you all talking. Isn’t that right, Chaim?
Doug Gibson Says:
I apologize to Terry for pre-judging her on the basis of that one interview and my previous comments in the previous post were uncalled for, since I realize the interview is misleading. The wiki article on her puts her in a good light; Gene however, must realize the disservice he does to his mother by his regarding prostitutes as more virtuous than married women. He needs to make amends with Ace too before Gene pushes up daisies. I would prefer if my previous post was taken down if possible.
Gene Simmons Says:
Terry is a very gracious lady and Gene Simmons has a much alined logic to a highschool smart alec and a defense mechanism of a pimple faced child trying to convince himself that he’s better than what he is. How does he get off on the idea that listening to HIS sporadic (at best) ideology of a man is more interesting than Gross’ show? How does he portray himself with the bigot remarks…oh i forgot, he’s a man. And obviously a self proclaiming theologist as well. Too bad his ideas are as shallow and washed up as his makeup band.
Milton Says:
This is my all-time favorite interview. Gene Simmons is my new hero, and not merely because he rendered a ill-prepared and arrogant Terry Gross confused and incapable of generating intelligent responses. (I *loved* it when she said sarcastically, “Yeah, all the way to the bank!” as if that were a bad thing, and Simmons emphatically agreed with her!)
What Gene Simmons represents to me is a perfect example of self-esteem. He does what he does, he is who he is, and he makes no apologies for it. He has no need to feel embarrassed or defensive about his position because he knows there’s nothing wrong with his position. If you disagree with him, then he grants you that right to disagree with him and doesn’t feel the tiniest bit threatened by your disapproval. I think that’s awesome and it’s a new personal goal for me.
I think the people here calling him “insecure” are projecting. Think about it: wouldn’t you like to live as you do right now, except with more money and with a better sex life? The individual who denies that is either lying or is some kind of religious freak.
Gene’s comment, “I’m not delusional in thinking what I do is important. The world can get along very well without us.” really puts things into focus: all media is entertainment and nothing more. The world can get by quite well without it. It kind of blows a hole in the claim that Simmons is “arrogant” doesn’t it? If he were arrogant, then he would think himself as a very important person who has a moral mandate to “inform” people about important issues of the day. A person like Terry Gross, in other words.
Gene Simmons is awesome. He’s truly an individual to emulate. Terry Gross? As an entertainer, she’s boring. As an individual, she’s wholly uninspiring.
Clambake Says:
Ah, I haven’t heard this since it aired–what a hoot. I’ve seen the “self-appointed tzaddik” routine in the wild before, and I’m sure Gene is extraordinarily tiresome if one has to spend much time with him, but he justifiably nukes the jejune Gross from high orbit on this one. “Get out your Funk & Wagnall’s” is a classic.
Clambake Says:
“Look it up in your Funk & Wagnall’s,” that is.
Al Gore Says:
Unbelievable how arrogant NPR is. Gene owned that ignorant dyke.
Saucepan Says:
The comment he made about welcoming him with open arms and open legs….
That was not a comment about all women having to have sex with him…
That was a comment regarding the size of his manhood… he was bragging that it would get in the way… you know?
He said that right after talking about the codpiece holding in his manhood…
I actually thought he did a pretty good interview. 
If she hadn’t been so condescending right off the bat, he may not have been so obnoxious… 
Ornamental Mind Says:
This interview is almost like watching Gene and “The Donald” on The Celebrity Apprentice. Mainly when Gene gets fired.
Two people, two different views/languages.
Simonjemmy Says:
Anyone that doesn’t find this interview a true hoot should go in search of a sense of humor.
Ajax Girl » Blog Archive » Edward Tufte sounds like Gene Simmons Says:
[...] familiar. Then it hit me: Compare it to Gene Simmons’ voice (his audio from that infamous interview he did with Terry Gross on NPR). They even strike a similar pose when, um, presenting [...]
Daniel Says:
It’s funny to me how many people on this site think that Gene Simmons was being “honest” and just laying down the truth left and right like some sort of prophet of selfishness. As if saying the most calculatedly offensive things were tantamount to speaking the truth. As if the very proof of his truth were how obnoxious it sounded. It’s the same shtick that every moron pundit uses — they’re the rebel and the square society can’t handle the truth! Truth is a subjective thing, and the layers of deception in any relationship, let alone an entire society, are many. So it doesn’t take much intelligence to pick one untruth (especially one that is generally acknowledged as a white lie to begin with) and go after it like a rat terrier. It’s just a self-aggrandizing act, and it takes a better actor than Gene Simmons to pull that act off.
Daniel Says:
I’m also amazed that so many people posting to this board have never heard of NPR before this interview. Talking about having your head up your ass. In addition to being bland, NPR is also known for thorough and objective reporting and avoiding moronic soundbites, unlike the kind of talk radio that Gene seems to be best suited for.
chinca Says:
in case you haven’t heard, a sex tape involving Gene and one of his “liaisons” has surfaced on the internet.
It confirms that his persona is covering up his lack of everything in his sexual life.
Terry Gross saw straight through his lies during this interview.
Clambake Says:
While I don’t exactly follow this topic with rapt attention, I’m relieved that it’s a Simmons tape rather than a Gross one.
matt Says:
Gene Simmons got so far under Terry’s skin, it’s no wonder *Terry* chose not to put the interview online. Gene Simmons couldn’t give two shits!
Blanche Debris Says:
Ha, I’m listening to this right now … Terri is the ultimate caricature of a liberal, ivory tower bluestocking and Gene is the ultimate caricature of American pop culture and capitalism. Oil, water anyone? I’m siding with Gene here, though. She is asking him really stupid questions, starting off the bat with asking him if his makeup makes him feel less “vulnerable” as a Jew. I’d be annoyed if that was the first question I got too, her automatically assuming that he is somehow “covering up” his Semitic insecurity with his makeup and costumes. She is trying to read *waaay* too much into what Gene is about, trying to find some kind of literary, existential meaning there. He just wants to make money. There’s no deeper meaning there. And she won’t stop with the makeup! A few sidetracks later, she comes *back* to the makeup — “what do you use in your makeup and does it ever break you out???” Uhm, who cares?
Gene obviously makes Terri extremely nervous and he really is just pulling her leg, but she takes him really seriously and gets very defensive. She’s pretty damn humorless.
Blanche Debris Says:
I’m further into the interview … he IS being an a-hole to her and bashing NPR. He really reminds me of Howard Stern. They’re really looking down their noses at *each other* and trying to insult each other the whole time. They obviously really hate what each other is about. I think she annoyed him from the start, though, with her stupid, clueless questions. On the other hand, he’s not “intellectual” NPR material.
“What does it all mean? Nothing! … For two hours we give you escapism.”
Gene owns your face! Says:
Gene own your face!
Evaine Says:
Good post. You make some great points that most people do not fully understand.
“It’s a pretty amusing interview, actually, and I think Terry did a pretty good job of dealing with his bloviating. Usually, you can listen to archives of interviews on the NPR website, but not this time. Simmons refused to allow its release. So, I’m offering it here. At least until I hear from Gene’s lawyers. Enjoy.”
I like how you explained that. Very helpful. Thanks.
working photographer Says:
I’ve worked with Simmons on a VH-1 a few years ago. On set he was a real professional. but he has the Public Gene Simmons shtick down pat –as he should after 30 years of working on it. Terry Gross nailed it at the end: she wasn’t really interviewing a person, she was interviewing a character Chaim Weitz has created.
Would I want to be on the other side of a negotiation from him? No.
Does he have a sense of humor? In public around strangers — not really, unless he is the one telling the jokes. (and he gets a trifle upset if you top his jokes.)
“Gene Simmons got so far under Terry’s skin, it’s no wonder *Terry* chose not to put the interview online. Gene Simmons couldn’t give two shits!”
Actually Gene Simons does give two shits- he who won’t let NPR rebroadcast it without paying him a fee.
And having heard this when it was first broadcast and listening to it again, I think it actually is a terrific interview.
josh Says:
Terry Gross comes off as a judgmental pc-type, (oh, and that irritating defensive laugh) and she’s exposed as a terrible interviewer. She had no business being offended, and she missed really great opportunities to explore his insights. Um, Simmons must know a little something about success and achievement, but that was all lost on her, instead pursuing trivialities to try to regain control. She’s also clueless for not figuring out the motivation for his contemptuousness, and her reaction to this just proves he was indeed justified to be contemptuous of her and her ilk.
Angie Says:
Thank you for making this available.
I’m a fan of Terry Gross, not a huge fan of Gene Simmons(nor KISS), although I highly respect both parties.
I am also a woman, and consider myself to be reasonably bright.
And coming from that perspective, I’m quite disappointed by Terry’s reaction to Gene. Not saying that I agree with everything he said during this conversation, but I do recognize (as so many people did here) the importance of his brutal honesty and the insight he shared. Only wish that Terry picked it up and went further with it.
Also: I work in public radio (and am on a personal mission to explain how NPR does not equal public radio). Yes, there’s passion in our work; yes, we make a whole lot less money than your commercial counterpart; but NO, you cannot convince me that the bottom line isn’t the same — we’re all in this to get a paycheck. I’m pretty sure that Terry would say “uh I don’t think so” if WHYY asked her to volunteer her time to host FreshAir.
Until we all go back to bartering, or even hunting/gathering, money is important. To those who disagree… well, good luck in this currency-based economy.
Patrick Says:
A great interview. As a Gross fan I was offended and put off when I read the transcript of this interview a couple of years back. Well, time has passed and I have revisited some of Terry’s more interesting interviews. This one is great. It shows Terry off balance and unable to cope with someone who just won’t take her seriously. THe prestige and power are an illusion and Simmon’s illusions just happens to humiliate hers a little more than she would like. That painful popping noise is a bubble bursting.
so what? Says:
All the simmons haters/gross apologists seem to want to ignore the fact that she really presented herself as an ass at the beginning of the interview.
She came off as assuming that he must be some sort of clown, rather a than a professional business person.
He just gave her what she wanted. That what Gene does. He gives people what they want.
candy Says:
Wow, just wow.
I stopped listening 5 minutes in because my embarrassment for Mr. Simmons overwhelmed me. I brought my sister into the room so that her presence would lessen my discomfiture, as it would lessen my terror while watching a horror movie. Only then, could I tolerate that interview.
A few points:
1) The people defending Mr. Simmons are undoubtedly from his circle of associates, or are “fans” from the 70’s (80s?) preserved in amber, so don’t feel disappointed by their enthusiasm for this loser.
2) Gene Simmons is nuts (for a number of reasons) but partially because his sense of being adored my millions is not based in reality, as you and I know it. Any popular following he garnered dissipated about 30 years ago. I never heard of him ‘til I read about his, mini-me’s, and “Screech’s” sex tape in a net article
3) He is so insecure about his intellect and education that he defensively states qualifications to repel his fantasized N.P.R listeners’ assumptions that he is stupid and argues his life is better than theirs—as they are trapped in “books”(though “he’s read as many books” as them).
4) contrary to his promoting himself as a sex god whom “women line up to fuck,” as anyone who’s seen his sex tape (check out the gawker blog) knows, he resorts to paying woman to screw him—and these women are unhappy doing it. The look of shame and disgust on the taped prostitute’s face, her refusal to kiss him (he tried 5 times, she turned her head away) so as to limit her torment, was the saddest thing I’ve seen in a while.
In all, though at first I pitied this guy, he is clearly such a low, terrible person, that I’m glad he made such a fool of himself
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