Adam Fulton | SMH
He rose to fame in the ’70s as the blood-spurting, fire-breathing bass player from fantasy-rock visionaries Kiss. Along the way to selling an estimated 100million albums with the band, Gene Simmons has become an astute businessman, author and reality-television star. He reportedly renounced his renowned groupie-hunting ways after marrying his long-time partner, Shannon Tweed, in 2011. He has long dismissed flak for continuing to tour with a band that held its ”farewell tour” more than a decade ago, pointing to the continued enthusiasm of the band’s fans. Two of its original members have since been replaced by others using the same make-up. In October, Kiss released its 20th studio album, Monster. The band marks its 40th anniversary this year.
I’m listening to …
The Black Keys. A good kick in the pants for all of us to get back to basics. Meat and potatoes.
The last film I saw was …
The next film I want to catch is …
Oblivion with Tom Cruise. Radical [Studios] is producing that one and I’m partnered with them on two film projects.
The best thing I’ve seen on stage lately is …
Lady Gaga. Not really my kind of music, though Born This Way is a rock anthem, and should be done by a rock band. She’s the only new ”rock” star in 30 years.
Try this: name 100 superstars from 1960 to 1985 – 25 years. Elvis. The Beatles. The Stones. Led Zep. Jimi Hendrix. The Doors. Pink Floyd. Motown. Prince. Madonna. U2. Metallica. AC/DC and on and on. Name one superstar from 1985 until 2013 – 28 years. Who?
When it comes to reading …
Newspapers and paper goods will soon be obsolete. Simply because it takes too long to gather, edit, print and distribute to newsstands. The internet – though I hate the art of it, it’s cold – is instantaneous. And that’s what people want; perhaps need.
The problem with the internet is that there is no soul. Newspapers abide by Joseph Pulitzer’s anti-yellow journalism ethos: one should report the events, not colour the events by one’s biases. The internet is a garbage heap of lies and gossip, and is not accountable to any ethos.
It’s the beginning. Lawmakers will and should start to legislate protecting underlying rights issues of artists and creators – to minimise piracy – and bring the internet under the ”guidance” of a country’s laws.
My biggest creative inspiration is …
My mother. She continues to be. Every day above ground, she would say, is a good day.
I get wound up by …
The internet.
I like to unwind by …
Waking up every day in Western society and feeling free to be who I am, think what I like and be all that I can be.