Gene Simmons Defends Business Drive, Claps Back at Critics Over Wealth
Kiss icon Gene Simmons is firing back at fans who have criticized him for pursuing yet another business venture. The 76-year-old rock legend recently took to social media to promote his upcoming survival thriller Deep Water, which is set to open in theaters next month. The film, starring Aaron Eckhart and Ben Kingsley, centers on a group of plane crash survivors after their aircraft makes an emergency landing in shark-infested waters en route from Los Angeles to Shanghai.
Simmons' Unapologetic Stance on Wealth Creation
Simmons' latest commercial project prompted a flurry of likes and comments, but a handful of fans criticized the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer for trying to line his pockets with what they deemed an unnecessary undertaking. One critic questioned, "Don't you have ENOUGH money yet Gene???" to which Simmons fired back, "This is a loser's question. Warren Buffet, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk all get up every day and try to make more. No matter how much they've got. Get out of your loser mentality, and try to win in life, every day."
Another detractor suggested that Simmons should "retire" and "have some dignity." The bassist replied bluntly, "Retire? And do what?" When one fan asked how making lots of money equates to someone "winning in life," Simmons explained, "Because by earning more, you create more jobs, by spending more money, which provides other people with being able to support their families. Without earning more, you can't even give to charity, much less support your family."
Defending His Legacy and Economic Impact
After another attacker accused Simmons of selling his "soul for money" and questioned Kiss' musical legacy, Simmons gave them a lesson in economics. "Timmy, I've paid more than $100 million in taxes. I've created thousands of jobs, which enabled thousands of people to feed their families. I've contributed millions to wounded warriors, pediatric aids and support 1,400 African children. And what have you accomplished in life?"
One denigrator tried to shame Simmons over his relentless pursuit of business opportunities by sharing an anecdote in which Kurt Vonnegut recalled a conversation with fellow author Joseph Heller, who said he was content with having "enough." The poster urged, "Be like Kurt." But the rock star was unmoved.
The American Dream and Personal Philosophy
"No. Be like me. I came to America as a legal immigrant. My mother and I had nothing. In America, bless her, gave me the opportunity to work as hard as I wanted to. And I am living proof, that the American dream is not only alive, but alive and well. You can sit on your thumb, if you want to. Personally, I never want to stop," he responded.
After he was called "vapid and boring" and "a fool" for focusing on "acquiring more," Simmons told one more disparager to "mind your own business." He added, "How about this. Stop looking at my plate ... What makes me happy, is to never stop, and continue to add value to my family, their future generations, to charity, and to these blessed United States of America. Sending good wishes to you."
Kiss' Road to Riches and Business Acumen
The Deuce singer also dusted off his resume as he shared his employment history with one nitpicker who said he should try working an "office job." "I started working at 12 years of age working for a butcher, grinding the fat from the butcher's block," Simmons shot back. "I delivered newspapers. I was the assistant to the director of the Puerto Rican interagency council. I was the assistant of the editor of Vogue magazine. And I was a 6th grade teacher."
During his tenure with Kiss, who retired in 2023, Simmons and his bandmates, including co-founder and frontman Paul Stanley, made more than a billion dollars selling merchandise bearing their likeness. In 2014, The Hollywood Reporter estimated that there were more than 3,000 Kiss-licensed products with sales of over $1 billion since 1977.
A decade later, the quartet sold their catalogue, brand name, and intellectual property to Swedish company Pophouse Entertainment Group for $300 million, with an avatar show on the horizon. In a 2021 interview, Simmons said Kiss got the idea of marketing its image from Disney, emphasizing their business model of giving the audience what it wants, which led to products ranging from Kiss cruises to Kiss caskets.
