Gene Simmons On Next KISS Studio Album And Search For Canada’s Next Big Rock Band
November 28, 2008 by Scott
KISS bass player and pretty much spokesperson, Gene Simmons has confirmed plans for another KISS Studio Album saying:
“We’ll do a handful of shows just to keep in the game (next) summer, maybe 10 (dates), some Canadian shows. I know Halifax is one, but before you get out there and start the baseball season, they hold exhibition games, that’s what we’re doing. ‘Cause once we go out, it’s going to be for a year and a half.”
He also tells of plans he has for finding the next big rock band for his Canadian label.
“I want to find the next great three Canadian acts from different genres (each year),” Simmons, 59, said in a chic Toronto hotel bar. “And don’t let them go to America. Provide the care and support that they need here, make them monsters here, and then take them to the rest of the world.”
Much more was said on his plans for the bands for his label and goes on to say that if the band tries to do thing their way they will fail. He says it has to be done his way under a “benevolent dictatorship” in order for them to be successful. That’s a pretty bold statement and an insult to the bands participating, if you ask me. He may be right though. As much as Gene irritates me with his pompousness, he knows what he’s doing. The problem I have with “Rock” these days is that it’s all geared more towards Pop and there aren’t as many credible modern rock acts these days. They dress and try to act like rock stars, but the music lacks the attitude and sound of what rock once was. That and I’m not sure if Gene knows what is relevant rock/metal is these days
Read more from the source at the Winnipeg Sun
Image source: Newscom.com
Gene is one of the coolest heads in the biz; to work with him would be a dream come true; he has proved himself to be a sharp business-person in many ways; too bad I am only a solo act; I’d love to try out for that gig!!!
I covered a KISS classic on YouTube-Stringmaniacal with Red- Hard Luck Woman on 12 string; it felt just right and is still one of my KISS faves.
Gene is a terrific mentor; and being no-nonsense as well as anti-drug and all that crap; anyone working for him will be in for the straight-up down to business job at hand.
Keep your eyes on this story; people; a legend is sure to be born soon!!!
Hey Gene,you don’t know me,but I met your wife,Shannon when she used to own the bar on Bank Street in Ottawa called “Shannon’s”.Got a true story for ya.One nightthere was a Halloween party at Shannon’s Bar and I showed up there dressed as Gene Simmons in full costume.You see,at the time I was playing in a Kiss colone band,, so I already had the costume.Anyways,off to Shannons I went dressed in a genes simmons costume. Shortly after I arrived at the bar,a fight broke out and I began to break it up .Next thing I know,I’m getting kicked out because the bouncer thought i was part of the fighting,but I was only trying to break it up,because i was living with two of your wifes waitresses (Lucie miles and Cathy Brammel) and i was dating Lucie at the time . so finaly Lucie goes outside the bar to verifie my story with the bouncer . so the point of my story is that being the boyfriend of your wifes staff i knew Shannon before she became your wife . soo the real point of my story (if ever u read this) is that i a band that i manage and they are working on there secondes cd . they are in there early 20s and they are amazing rock material worth liscening too ! . please contact me by email .
Just a note to gene for my Canadian band.4fingershigh are playing a breast cancer benefit concert on the 28th of march in Vancouver @ Can-Am Importique.We’ll let you play bass for a couple of songs…maybe.
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Be so kind as to forward this message to him. This was my mom’s suggestion. Peace Mark
Where can I sign up for the band search?