Dear Gene,

I just wanted to write you a quick letter thanking you for making my dreams come true. You have always said, "Dream big and never let anyone tell you you can't do something". With hard work and perseverance, I am now a successful independent businessman who owns Charleston Auto Glass, Inc.

My lobby where my customers wait is covered with plaques from all the Kiss Meet and Greets I have been to, all the Kiss Kruises I have been on, and all the Gene Simmons Bass Meet and Greets I have been too. I always love hearing the customers ask me, "Are you a Kiss Fan?" I reply, "No I am a huge Kiss Fan!" Then they precede to tell me how they grew up with Kiss or how Kiss music has changed their lives. I especially love when Vets tell me how much Kiss means to them because they support the Wounded Warrior Project.

I have one of your basses hanging in my lobby and it always starts conversations with customers. I really do enjoy your Bass Meet and Greets. You always make the customer feel comfortable and relaxed. You let the customer meet you twice, once with makeup and once without, and you let the customer take pictures and video to capture the moment. To top it off, the customer gets a prized keepsake. An autographed Gene Simmons Axe or Punisher!

I have collected so many Basses from you I decided to join the GSAXE OWNERS GROUP on Facebook. The GSAXE OWNERS GROUP decided to honor me because I have so many basses that they made a group banner photo for the page. I thought you might like to see it. Once again, I thank you for all you have done for me.

Sincerely,
John Upshaw Downs, Jr.

 

Good evening. Wanted to let you know that the signed photo came today and as soon as I pulled it out of the mailbox I took it right to Teresa. She has really went downhill quickly the past couple days and the hospice nurse said yesterday she could go at any time. So the timing was perfect. She woke up when I arrived and I gave her the picture and read the note to her. She smiled and said he looked really good...laughed and nodded back off. Just to get one more smile from her was wonderful and I couldn't have done it without you guys, so thank you and please tell Mr. Simmons that a lot of people in North Carolina think he is more than a rock star.....he is a wonderful man with a big heart! 

Effie Atwell
Lexington, NC

 

Hey Mr. Simmons!

I just wanted to let you know how much this whole day meant to me. I've been waiting to meet you since I was 4, and now I'm 17. True, it doesn't compare to those that have been waiting to meet you since '74, but it still means something! You sir, are my biggest inspiration, my hero, my idol, my god. In my eyes, nothing and nobody can compare to you.

Thank you so much for the wonderful hugs and holding my hand on stage while you answered my question about your favorite childhood memory. This meant so much to me. I truly appreciate all you have done for me. Without, I wouldn't be where I am today. Like I told you at the "meet and greet," I started playing bass guitar because of you and now I'm the first female bassist for my school marching band, and the first bassist to ever march on the field during half time.

Thank you for encouraging me to go on and be myself and not take crap from anybody. I live by your words of wisdom everyday. Thank you for being the hero and inspiration that you are to me!

Sincerely,
Kayleigh Gene from Ohio!

 

Dear Mr. Simmons

Thank you so much for adding Halifax Nova Scotia to your tour. I am 52 years old and grew up listening to your music and i finally was able to get tickets to see you perform in August. Growing up in the funeral business, your music got me through some pretty tough times when ive had to prepare babies, children and friends for their final farewell. I always said i wanted to see KISS before i died.

Thanks again for thinking of us in the Maritimes.

Patrick

Gene: my best wishes for the Spring Season 2013. I envy you for being able to tour Latin America again and see all the great sights there.

Here's something we can definitely agree on. It has come to light that the record company which sued Jammie Thomas-Rassett for illegal uploading and file-sharing initially offered to settle with her for $5,000. She not only refused to pay it, but argued that she should not have to pay anything at all, although she had clearly violated U.S. and international copyright laws, and did about $1,200 in damage with her music piracy.

While I personally think that $5,000 would have been slightly harsh (I think that the $3,500-$4,000 range would have been more appropriate in terms of punitive and compensatory damages to the record company and the artists), 5 grand would have been only marginally harsh. Now, she is facing a massive fine of some $220,000. If she had settled for 5 grand, apologized and learned her lesson, she would have been much better off. She should try to plead for leniency and to return to the original settlement, though I don't know if she'll be able to. Though she acted pretty dumb, I still feel sorry for her and especially for her young kids.

Best,
Brian.
Seoul, ROK

 

Just too good for your fans ? You hardly answer emails anymore. Two from your recent Australia tour and all others from your August Bday. Regardless of touring and scheduling their was a time when you seem to make the time for replies.

 

RESPONSE FROM GENE:

You're right. I haven't even answering as much lately. But consider the following –
KISS Touring and recording.
17 New TV Projects.
2 Movies.
ROCK & BREWS.COM
COOL SPRINGS LIFE.COM
STRONACH GROUP.COM
SIMMONS RECORDS.COM
Want me to continue?

 

My sons teacher said that Gene's tongue is cut and that is why it is so long. I told him this was not true and we argued for a bit. I don't want him to be fooled by either his teacher or myself. Please tell me if this is true or not. My son is six and I want him to get the facts right.

Best regards.

Fredrik

RESPONSE FROM GENE:

The teacher is a moron, and that's being kind. An educated person would know if you cut the bottom of your tongue it would be life-threatening – you might swallow your tongue. And it would not lengthen the tongue, in any case.

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G'day Gene,

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for the opportunity to catch up, say g'day and meet you before the 1st Sydney concert. I have followed KISS for 33 years now and loved the journey but to finally meet you in person and get a hadn signed AXE was the opportunity of a lifetime for me. However this was only a small part of the whole night - thanks to Paul from GeneSimmons Axe my family also got the opportunity to meet you and this meant more to me than just being able to say g'day and meet you myself. The fact that we all found you to be very engaging and genuine as well as interested in us was more than I could have hoped for. I take my hat of to you and thank you.

My nephew, Harry is 3 and he is the one who was giving you the bird as you walked up, he is also the one with Type 1 Diabetes and his parents (my brother) were blown away with how much time you gave us and the interest you took in his predicament. They are heavily involved in Juvenile Diabetes Foundation here is Australia and help organise a number of fundraising events throughout the year. It would be greatly appreciated if you could see your way to send a message of support to these kids and their families or even donate something for one of their charity events to help in some small way. We intend to promote the meet and greet we had with you and your genuine interest in the challenge that is Juevenile Diabetes, every little bit helps and we will continue to support and search for a cure.

We loved every minute of our brief catch up, the AXE will be taking residence in a prime position for all to see and share, and finally the show as always was the hottest show on earth. Thanks for a great night and the once in a lifetime experience.

Yours always in rock ...

 

Michael Keys

 

 

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Mr Simmons,

I have to tell you your son was great saw him on the series Arctic Air.

BIG BOB R.B.L.

 

 

 

 

 

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Gene,

I want to thank you and your family for sharing your lives with us through your Television show.

I am right now watching the Marriage Boot Camp episode and I am absolutely in awe of you and the how amazing that you went through this wonderful personal growth.

You are an inspiration and I wish you and Shannon and your family all the best for the future.

What a wonderful journey you shared with the world.

Thank You....

Toni Kasch

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G'day again, Gene

Thanks once more for taking the time to share your ideas, wisdom and self- effacing humour with a thousand of your fans at your speaking engagement in Melbourne today. It was great fun, thought provoking and quite inspirational. A real highlight was hearing you and the crowd cheer on a lady who has beaten cancer once, and will do it again.

Your cordial approach and genuine concern for your fans are no surprise to anyone who admires you, but they are remarkable nonetheless in today's world. Everyone at the meet and greet noticed how genuine you were in giving individual time to all of us, and really connecting.

As for me, thanks for inviting me to have a few words. I was also touched to see your genuine appreciation of my gift for you - the text I helped to co- author. I have been emailing the photos from today and talking about it with all my friends and family, and they can't believe how lucky I was. I'm especially grateful for your kind comments  - and fans don't get a hug from their heroes unless the hero is truly great.

It couldn't have happened without you and KISS.

 

Sincerely,

Geoff Shaw

 

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Gene,

Thank you for singing the National Anthem the way it’s supposed to be sung. Some artists like to add their “flavor” to it and it makes me cringe.

You didn’t. Very classy.

William A. Eaton II
SFC, USA

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Happy Birthday The Legend, The Demon, One of the greatest rock stars and persons ever, GENE!! You have been the biggest influence and inspiration for millions of people through the generations!

Spend the rockin great day, we salute you!

Regards:

Saku from Hyvinkää, Finland

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Hi Mr Simmons,

My sisters and i took my 7 year old daughter to the Irvine show to celebrate my birthday.

My daughter is not your average 7 year old. She's a rocker and a roller. We all very much enjoyed the show and rank it amongst the very best shows we have ever been to. My daughter most of all. While her friends are all swooning over that Beiber kid, mine is swooning over Nick Simmons! And who happened to be in the seat behind us? Your wounderfully sweet son! My daughter, Kai is her name, got to meet and have her picture taken with her idol.

I want to commend you and Shannon for raising such a sweet man, to have been so nice to a very little girl. She was so overwhelmed, she could not speak for quite awhile. Please tell your son thank you for us, it really meant a lot.

Sincerely,

Kai's Mom Nancy

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Hey Gene,

When I read the news today that “Gene Simmons Family Jewels” was ending, I felt very sad…sad for me…. but ecstatic and extremely happy for you and your family. This is good news, WAY TO GO!!

Although I am not much of a fan monger, I must admit that you and your family have intrigued me from the moment I caught an episode of your show. I want to thank you for the opportunity to peek behind the curtains. You really humanized the Demon behind the mask.

I feel very loving and protective of you and your family and wish nothing but the best for you and yours. I hope that all of yours and your family’s dreams and wishes come true.

Take care,

Denise

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Hi Gene,

I was just curious if you were at the Minnesota Vikings training camp on Tuesday, August 14th. There were a lot of people wondering if it was actually you or someone who looked just like you. I can understand if it was you that you would want to keep a low profile even though that would be difficult for you considering how popular you are. Whether it was you or not I want to thank you for getting me started in music. I grew up listening to Kiss and even had our own Kiss Army Club even though it only had two members, my neighbor and myself. I still play drums today at age 42 and the band Kiss is a major reason why.

Thank you.

Take Care,

Craig

RESPONSE FROM GENE:

Help. It was not me.

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Gene,

I just wanted to take a moment to say Thank You to you and your amazing family for all of your support for our military. My husband and I both proudly served in the Army and know that support from home is important to the morale of our men and women in uniform. It’s refreshing to see a celebrity of your stature take time out of your busy life to acknowledge the military and to support programs such as Wounded Warriors. Your unwavering dedication means more than you will ever know!

Thank you!

Della

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Wishing you all the best on your special day, and continued health to enjoy many more.

Have a "Monster" of a celebration.

Kind regards,

Philip

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Dear Gene & Fam-

WOW! What a ride you've taken us on. I can't tell you what it has meant to my girl and me. Not only did you show us who you really are, but you also helped us learn things about ourselves, especially in the last couple seasons.

The first time I saw the show I could barely believe what I was seeing. Gene in a onezie? I told me girlfriend that she HAD to watch. Her response was something like- "Gene Simmons? Isn't he that guy in Kiss with the fire and the blood? He's disgusting! NO WAY!" Somehow I convinced her to watch and she fell in love with you all. We faithfully watched, laughed and cried through the entire series and were/are better for it. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU so much for the memories the fun and the life lessons, and heart-felt best wishes on 'the next chapter.'

God Bless the demon!

Greg

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Dear Gene,

I wanted to thank you for the wonderful experience in Tampa Fl, 7/28/2012. I have been a life long KISS fan since I was 5 years old and I am now 40.

Getting the opportunity to meet you and also to purchase your Stage played Axe was a dream come true. You were so personable to my family and I, especially my little girl Presley who you taught all those fist pumping hand shakes to. I want to also thank Paul Hayleland for making my experience so smooth.

This was a day in KISSTORY that my family and I will never every forget. You truly are the God of Thunder!

Thank You,

Phil, Shanda & Presley

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Just heard today you are ending Family Jewels. I just loved your program because it was the best reality show on television. I laughed & cried through many episodes.

God Bless You & Your Family in your future endeavors.

Bev

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Mr Simmons,

I’ve just watched the interview you did on the Sunday Night program in Australia, i am totally blown away by your generosity by adopting 1200 children providing them with food and a education.

Keep up your good works.

MAXIMUM RESPECT!!!

James

P.S The world would be a better place if more people with wealth thought like you do.

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My dear Gene,

I was devastated to read that you are bringing Family Jewels to an end although I do understand. With your busy schedule I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did.

It is particularly hard for me as Family Jewels was a big part of my day. It will not be the same anymore.

I wish you continued success with KISS and with your family.

My love to you all,

Jo

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Dear Family:

It is with a heavy heart that I learn that your show is coming to an end. As a fan I just wanted to say “thank you” for letting us into your lives and enjoy the good times and cry along with you during the sad. The ride was a good one and my husband and I will sincerely miss your show but it is time to move on. One can only live in a bubble so long and I think your family has done more than their fair share of it. You’ll be missed but we are happy to see some closure to this crazy reality lifestyle (esp. for Sophie, God bless her).

Gone but you’ll never be forgotten.

Dan & Anita

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Well it is the end of an era.

My wife and I were saddened to hear the news that Gene Simmon's Family Jewels was being canceled. Your family was funny, thought provoking and inspirational to watch. We will miss tuning in. We hope that it will go into syndication either on A&E or some other channel so we can see our favorite family once again.

Best wishes.

Kevin & Monica

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Hi Simmons family,

Just a note to say, I am sorry you have choosen to go off the air..

I loved your show very much, I didnt get to see much of the last season , I could never find it on..So I hope the show reruns.

Nice to hear about the work your daughter is doing now at Sophies place,,totally awesome.

I hope someday you decide to do it again as for the show..But if not, for the past ones..Just want to say thank you for sharing so much of your lives... That was such a cool thing to do.. I am sure it was hard to do at times also for you...But Peace Love and Blessings to your family always!!!

Beckie

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Dear Gene,

Just wanted to say sorry about the show going off the air. It was a good show and brought many laughs to my home. My 82 year old mother even liked it. Several times I found her watching it without me. I don't like reality shows, but I really did enjoy yours.

Thanks,

Dee

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