|
NEWS ARCHIVES |
 |
NEWS HEADLINES
New letters posted...
Dear Gene,
Attached you can find a pic of me giving a lecture at the Istituto Europeo di Design, Madrid, Spain.
More than 200 people attended this lecture to celebrate the opening of the Communication and Design Master Courses 2010.
Through this 2 hours presentation I explained how to become your own brand and how to do things your own way. There is so much to learn from both you and KISS.
You must me proud of yourself and of everything you have accomplished.
Hope you like it.
Best regards,
Jordi Ballera
Oct 29th-
Oct 28th-
If you've read some of the stories about my recent bump on the noggin (below), the impression media have gotten is "Where's Shannon Tweed?"
The truth is - both Miss Tweed and I were together every step of the way. We were on our way to a Cool Springs Life.Com event in Milwaukee, and then in Chicago.
At LAX, I passed out in front of Shannon. And I'm told as my face and head were headed towards the concrete floor below, Shannon actually lessened the blow by jumping towards me.
The damage to my head included half my eyebrow being scraped off. Shannon immediately got medics to come and treat me. She was with me every step of the way. She got me to the nearby hospital. She checked me in. She took care of all the details. She took my clothes, and washed 'em (they were covered with sweat and blood). She checked in to a nearby hotel, to be there in case I needed her.
The next morning, after being checked out, we left together. When we went outside to the entrance to the hospital, papparazzi were (as expected) across the street and in a passing car, snapping fotos and videos. The videos and fotos happened not to have caught Shannon.
So the impression was, Shannon was not there.
She was.
She always is.
Here is a nice foto of the lovely Miss Shannon Tweed.
This was taken at one of the LA Police Dept's "Village of Trouble" firing range. It tests the Police Dept's speed to react to danger, when and if it occurs. This site was one of the pit stops at the recent RALLY FOR KIDS' children's cancer charity we were involved with. We all had to do it.
What's troubling about this lovely photo is not that Miss Tweed hit the perp right between the eyes. It's the happy look on her face!!!
Don't mess with Canadian women.
Ouch!!!
Oct 27th-
By Jessica Derschowitz
Oct 26, 2010
Rocker Gene Simmons was hospitalized briefly after reportedly fainting at Los Angeles' LAX airport on Sunday.
Sources close to Simmons told TMZ.com that he hit his head after fainting and was rushed to the hospital.
He suffered a cut on his forehead, and, after tests were run, doctors concluded it was just dehydration, according to the sources.
The KISS frontman was photographed leaving Centinela Hospital in Inglewood, CA the next day.
Oct 26th-
By Angela Carugati
Oct 26, 2010
The co-founder of KISS is a lot more than a world-renowned rock star. This exclusive interview provides a look at the reasons for Gene Simmons’ popularity for more than 30 years, the appeal of his TV shows, his business acumen and an unexpected personal connection to World Screen’s group editorial director.
If you were a teen or young adult during the ’70s you need no introduction to Gene Simmons, bass player and co-founder of the rock band KISS. If you don’t know who he is, let me give you some background. KISS is a hard rock band and its members are known for their face paint, flamboyant costumes, platform boots, and elaborate live performances, which include fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets and pyrotechnics. In their costumes, each original member took on comic-book style character: Simmons was The Demon, Paul Stanley was Starchild, Ace Frehley was Spaceman or Space Ace and Peter Criss was Catman.
I was in high school and college in the ’70s and while KISS was not my favorite band, I certainly knew their songs. “Rock and Roll All Nite” saturated the radio airwaves. KISS came into my life in a big way, believe it or not, through my father, Eraldo Carugati, even though his tolerance for modern music ended pretty much with Frank Sinatra. Anything beyond that to him was garbage. But he was a well-known artist and illustrator and was commissioned to paint the covers of the first four solo albums the KISS members released along with their accompanying posters. I watched Dad paint those covers and posters—the stark black backgrounds and each KISS member’s hair backlit in a different color. One evening Dad was tired. I was an art student at the time and he asked me if I would finish painting the blue hair on Ace Frehley. I did.
I also remember that after delivering the finished covers and posters, my Dad was not too pleased when Simmons asked for some additions to his cover image, he wanted blood dripping from his mouth.
Oct 25th-
What a weekend, indeed.
On Saturday, Oct 23rd, Miss Tweed and I participated in the RALLY FOR KIDS children's cancer charity. Monies raised went directly to the neediest.
The rally consisted of high end cars in a scavenger hunt throughout LA and the outlining areas. There were clues at every stop, and points gained or lost depending on all sorts of variables. Miss Tweed took the GSFJ Rolls Royce and I was in the KISS Rolls Royce. Needless to say, wherever we went, we stopped traffic.
The day began at 7:30 am and ended with a charity auction held at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood at 11:00 pm.
Young Nick joined us for the auction and then split to go get ready for his midnight set at club Bardot in Hollywood.
We joined him there just as he was getting up on stage. Sophie finished her volleyball games (out of town) -- and oh yes, our daughter is the MVP. (That's right) ...and got there just as Nick was getting up on stage.
He rocked it. Did an obscure Iggy Pop song called "The Stranger".
We had to leave right after that to get some sleep.
Got to bed by 2:00 am.
And by 7:30 am, were up to get ready to go to Chicago, and then drive two hours to get to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for one of two Cool Springs Life.Com events...
So, Miss Tweed and I were at LAX... we got some Decaf Coffee and some eggs... and there I am munching and taking a few sips... and then, I feel this rush of heat from my feet up to my head... and then apparently I blacked out.
I woke up in a nearby hospital. I was told I passed out due to dehydration, lack of sleep, and just pure exhaustion.
I spent a night at the hospital and found, to my surprise, half of my left eyebrow literally fell off... I must have hit the ground hard. I don't remember. So, there I am being stitched up, eating hospital food, and itchy to get back to work.
I'm back home. All is well.
I've been getting lots of emails and calls asking if everything is fine. Yes. Thank you. All is well.
I have a meeting in an hour, so I have to finish this.
More next time.
Oct 23rd-
This cocktail reception and fabulous dinner provides Rally Drivers with the opportunity to meet and recruit their desired Celebrity Navigator. The premium drafting positions will be determined by the amount of dollars raised through pledges and sponsorship. The Rally Driver who raises the most money will be first to select their Celebrity Navigator.
Other celebrities in attendance were, Jason Kennedy, Natasha Alam, Shannon Tweed, and Eva's husband Tony Parker.
Oct 21st-
Dear Friends,
The Rally for Kids with Cancer Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children throughout LA.
We will be participating in the Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup on Saturday, October 23, 2010. By pledging for this event you are supporting children's cancer research from diagnosis and treatment, to conducting research and finding promising new therapies.
We hope you'll sponsor us in this very worthwhile cause. Your generous donation will go towards helping kids with cancer beat the disease so they can live active, full lives.
We can make a difference.
Thank you for your support!
Gene & Shannon
Oct 20th-
By Teri Borseti
Oct 19, 2010
The “parenting” industry in this country is huge. There’s no limit to the number of books, movies, workshops, TV shows and “specialists” dedicated to teaching parents how to be parents. Parents today can opt to use methods, programs, psychologies, systems, programs, time outs and counting from one to three, and whatever works is fine by me.
With so many children of celebrities having gotten themselves into a variety of pickles over the years actors, rock stars and models are probably not the first people you’d go to get good advice about your kids. That’s why I was very surprised and delighted to learn that two of the best parents I’ve ever seen are Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed. Who in the world would ever expect a rock demon and Playmate centerfold to have two of the nicest kids you could imagine? To begin with I rarely watch TV and especially reality shows. I was never a big Kiss fan because I was into Disco when they reigned. My son is almost 20 so I really don’t need parenting tips. But while channel surfing one day I caught a commercial for The Gene Simmons Family Jewels reality show. It was one that featured Nick Simmons and never mind that he’s just adorable, the 20 something seemed genuine and well… just nice.
Oct 14th-
GENE SIMMONS ON WEAK MARKET
GENE SIMMONS BASHES ADMINISTRATION ACADEMICS
GENE SIMMONS ON BRANDING
GENE SIMMONS VS. THE FED
Oct 12th-
By Adam Griffith
Oct 12, 2010
Gene Simmons, bass player and co-founder of KISS, spoke in Pitzer’s Benson Auditorium on October 9th. In his presentation, entitled “The Medium and the Message”, Mr. Simmons discussed his life and his philosophy on achieving success.
Simmons explained that he and his mother immigrated to the United States from Israel at the age of eight, and that he didn’t know a word of English at the time. Over the next fifty years, he went on to found one of the most successful musical acts in history as well as a merchandising empire worth more than $500 million annually. As Simmons joked “We have everything from KISS condoms to KISS caskets. We get you coming and going.” While so many performers and music fans seem to be concerned with the concept of “selling out,” he proudly pointed out the myriad of products that have borne the KISS logo over the past thirty years and explained that there is no shame in utilizing one’s economic assets to their fullest extent.
However, Simmons focused on the students in the crowd far more than himself or his success. Walking up and down the aisles, he frequently stopped suddenly and warmly introduced himself to audience members, emphasizing the importance of eye contact and a firm handshake to making a strong impression. He explained that, in order to find success, one must “command attention” from the room. Needless to say, this is far easier said than done in the presence of a man who can easily be called one of the most famous musicians of the 20th century.
Another major message of the event seemed to be the importance of utilizing one’s assets to one’s advantage. Simmons explained his personal philosophy towards the importance of obtaining marketable skills. When discussing this concept in relation to the music business, he pointed out “Hey look, I have this pretty song. That’s great. Now how can I buy a house with it?”
Simmons wrapped up his presentation by saying simply “be a rockstar,” explaining that the best way to succeed, whether that means starting a rock band or a mutual fund, is to have the confidence to believe it’s possible and the drive to get it done.
Oct 8th-
LET'S SEE IF I'VE GOT THIS RIGHT-
IF YOU CROSS THE NORTH KOREAN BORDER ILLEGALLY,
YOU GET 12 YEARS HARD LABOR.
IF YOU CROSS THE IRANIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY,
YOU ARE DETAINED INDEFINITELY.
IF YOU CROSS THE AFGHAN BORDER ILLEGALLY,
YOU GET SHOT.
IF YOU CROSS THE SAUDI ARABIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY,
YOU WILL BE JAILED.
IF YOU CROSS THE CHINESE BORDER ILLEGALLY,
YOU MAY NEVER BE HEARD FROM AGAIN.
IF YOU CROSS THE VENEZUELAN BORDER ILLEGALLY,
YOU WILL BE BRANDED A SPY AND YOUR FATE WILL BE SEALED.
IF YOU CROSS THE CUBAN BORDER ILLEGALLY,
YOU WILL BE THROWN INTO POLITICAL PRISON TO ROT.
IF YOU CROSS THE U.S. BORDER ILLEGALLY,
YOU GET:
A JOB, A DRIVERS LICENSE,
SOCIAL SECURITY CARD, WELFARE,
FOOD STAMPS, CREDIT CARDS,
SUBSIDIZED RENT OR A LOAN TO BUY A HOUSE,
FREE EDUCATION, FREE HEALTH CARE,
A LOBBYIST IN WASHINGTON WITH BILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF PUBLIC DOCUMENTS PRINTED IN YOUR LANGUAGE.
THE RIGHT TO CARRY YOUR COUNTRY'S FLAG, WHILE YOU PROTEST THAT YOU DON'T GET ENOUGH RESPECT.
AND, IN MANY INSTANCES, YOU CAN VOTE.
Oct 7th-
This foto happened by accident. Honest.
I was at the Paramount Studios lot to promote me being the voice of GUITAR HERO - Warriors of Rock.
I was on the red carpet posing for fotos and talking to fotogs and media alike.
And all of a sudden, this gentleman stepped next to me -- deadpan. And we both took our respective fotos.
I said "Hi".
He said "Hello"
And that was about it.
Make of it what you will.
Oct 6th-
Rock and TV star Gene Simmons told the MIPCOM delegates that branding is everything and the TV industry needs to better embrace that. In an entertaining MIPCOM conference session moderated by TBI deputy editor Peter White, Simmons said the TV business needed ‘a kick in the pants' and ‘to get sleeker and hipper.'
Simmons was in town to celebrate his A&E reality series Gene Simmons Family Jewels hitting the 100 episode mark and in a keynote address, he spoke to delegates about how he had built the brand of his rock ban KISS and built the TV show from a special to a long-running series.
"It's your professional duty to make sure your brand spreads," he told delegates. "I would rather be Disney than Sony, Lionsgate or Paramount - I would wear that t-shirt - brands mean everything."
A&E Network and BIO president and GM Bob DeBitetto explained how the Gene Simmons show had been used to build the A&E brand as it repositioned itself from ‘PBS with commercials' to a more mainstream entertainment offering.
"We always look for shows that can help us differentiate ourselves," he said. "When I saw the special with Gene it struck me how different it was - there was something unexpected about a rock star who is also a phenomenal family guy. At that time we were trying to reinvent A&E with programmes that surprised people. [KISS and Gene Simmons] were a bigger brand than we were and I thought why not try and get next to that."
Simmons went on to say that KISS was the pioneering brand in exploiting the brand across all available platforms and that rights owners should heed the lessons of the music business and protect their intellectual property at every turn. "Be litigious," he advised delegates. "Sue everybody, take their houses, their cars. The music industry was asleep at the wheel and didn't have the balls to sue every freckle-faced kid who downloaded tracks."
Here's a clip of Gene's recent appearance on Australia's "Today" show!
Oct 4th-
Gene Simmons, Co-Fouder of the legendary KISS, and star of the hit unscripted series, GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS, is set to rock MIPCOM when he delivers a keynote address with Bob DeBitteto, President & General Manager of A&E Network and BIO Channel.
The session, entitled "How to Build an Entertainment Brand," is designed to help participants understand the inner workings of branded entertainment. The panel is scheduled on Tuesday, October 5 at 9:30am in the Grand Auditorium in the Palais.
Simmons is a legendary rock god, and multi-media magnate. Also attending MIPCOM is the love of his life, former Playmate of the Year, model and actress, Shannon Tweed. Gene Simmons Family Jewels provides a backstage pass to the Simmons-Tweed clan, showing how the most non-traditional, traditional family in America manages to make it work all under the strangest of circumstances.
New letters posted...
Hi Gene,
Attached is a photo of a sand sculpture of Rock and Roll stars at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto Ontario. (August 2010).
Hope you like it. Love your show!
Cathy Pugh
Oct 1st-
Strange watching our GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS show dubbed in Spanish in Mexico City.
Not the Spanish part.
That's cool.
It's the VOICES they use for us.
Hilarious.
Of course, there is always the thrlll of hearing the dubbed voices in RUSSIAN and GERMAN.
2010 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2009 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2008 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2007 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Sep Oct Nov Dec 2006 2005 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2004 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2003 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2002 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2001 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
YOUR LETTERS LADIES IN WAITING BIOGRAPHY ALBUMS FILM/TV
GENE STORE KISS STORE NEWS ARCHIVES CONTACT HOME
|
© 2008 GeneSimmons.com, LLC, all rights reserved. GENE SIMMONS is a registered trademark of Gene Simmons and KISS and the facial makeup of the KISS band members are registered trademarks of KISS Catalog, Ltd., all rights reserved. |