1094 replies to this topic

[Wicked]

Could be interesting. Checked out the site, I think his son looks more like Paul Stanley.

[nicepebbles]

I'll be watching b/c for some reason I'm interested in Gene and Shannon (right?). For some reason I thought they had lady broken up.

[Txtwister]

I'm actually really looking forward to this show. I loved Gene on School of Rock. He strikes me as an intriguing mix of Rock God personified, devoted family man (without the legal documentation - oh so hip for some LOL) and a stand up guy with good intentions (not that he would ever admit to that). Even the promo is funny, where Gene says they've (Shannon Tweed, former Playmate I think?) been happily unmarried for 20 some years. Then his son "corrects" Gene by telling him that his Mom refers to the "unwedded bliss" as waiting.
And of course, what would a Gene Simmons discussion be without talk of THE TOUNGUE!

Paul Stanley was always my favorite Kiss member, but I will be firmly planted in my Reality Show throne (complete with a tin foil tiara and a cocktail) for the premiere - cuz I wanna rock and roll all night, and party every day (well, back in those good old days). Woo-Hoo!

Edited by Txtwister, Jul 28, 2006 @ 11:27 AM.

[simpatico]

The title of this show just... does not conjure a pretty picture.

[SlinkyKat]

Oh, Gene....you un-married Shannon Tweed? Why, oh, why? I remember her well from my days as a video store clerk. She's done a whole bunch of "erotic thrillers" (a.k.a., "soft porn" ) that the horny under-18 male crowd would rent again & again.

I can't believe she doesn't have "Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death" listed in her IMDB filmography.

[Nutjob]

Oh, Gene....you un-married Shannon Tweed? Why, oh, why? I remember her well from my days as a video store clerk. She's done a whole bunch of "erotic thrillers" (a.k.a., "soft porn" ) that the horny under-18 male crowd would rent again & again.

Heh. My guess is that she probably lets him screw around on the side and doesn't care.

This smells like a train wreck to me, but mainly because I hate Gene Simmons. I wonder if we'll be seeing him instruct his children on how to build people's devotion then shamelessly bilk them out of every cent they have because he thinks they're sheep? Hate. Him.

[TDoc72]

I think I'm gonna try this one. I read his autobiography a few years back and he's kind of an interesting guy. Shannon Tweed just released her autobiography that I really want to read too. Also, I watched some of the clips available at the official website, and his kids seem surprisingly normal.

I wonder if we'll be seeing him instruct his children on how to build people's devotion then shamelessly bilk them out of every cent they have because he thinks they're sheep?

Um, unless Gene is going around to all the fans' houses and forcing them to buy his stuff, I don't see how this is true. I mean, I like Kiss but I'm not going to mortage my house to buy the 2nd rarest Gene Simmons' doll out there. If he does show up at my house, I'll invite him in, offer him a drink, ask to see 'the tongue' (of course, how could you not!) but I'm still not buying crap.

Edited by TDoc72, Aug 7, 2006 @ 2:49 AM.

[KeyOui]

I'm just interested in seeing how Shannon justifies staying with such a caricature of a has-been who's been reduced to famewhoring himself on two reality shows on basic cable in some lame attempt to relive his former glory days, who constantly brags about banging 3000+ women that he takes polaroids of each and every one, much like a serial killer who keeps his victims' drivers licences*, and the fact he will never give in to the outrageous request of his children's mother to get married.

From the promos it looks like Shannon has the same plastic surgeon as Christa Miller from Scrubs since she has the same "Joker" face going on.

Can't wait til 10pm tonight!

* Not that I'm comparing Gene's actions to that of a serial killer. But the polaroid thing fucking creeps me out.

Edited by KeyOui, Aug 7, 2006 @ 8:20 AM.

[rulla lenzka]

Man, this is exactly what I need is another reality show to watch, but after going to the official site, I am very curious.

The children are very charming, and good looking (luckily they both got their moms genes on that one) Gene and Shannon seem like very loving parents, and their son has a really good sense of humor about the whole KISS extravaganza room.

I never watched Rock School, but the interviews I've seen and heard on the radio (like the one on "Fresh Air" with Terri Gross) Gene comes off as a complete and total ASS. I'm going to try to go into this with a new eye. If you have not heard the interview with Terri, I would highly recommend it.

I read on the site that one ep will be about their daughter starting to date, I really hope he doesn't go for the stereotype of Hulk Hogan and be all over her all the time, although I know with his reputation for being a womanizer he may be really scared.

KeyOuiIt's ok go ahead and make the serial killer connection, anyone who "collects" sexual experiences instead of just having them has got something going on, I'm kind of grossed out by the whole groupie have sex with as many women as possible thing, but I can understand it, I just don't get having to take pictures to prove to yourself how many woman you've had.

[iMissEthan]

I feel strongly that if it wasn't for the success of the Osbournes, they never would have made this show. I just hope these kids have their heads together more than Kelly & Jack. If they suddenly become famous, hopefully it won't go to their heads and wind up with both of them in rehab.

[KeyOui]

KeyOui It's ok go ahead and make the serial killer connection, anyone who "collects" sexual experiences instead of just having them has got something going on,

Thanks rulla, I just wonder what he does with them. Does he put them in an album so he can pull it out to show guests? Does he come home from a tour and show his latest collection to Shannon, relaying to her "this one gave me an awesome blowjob, while this one here is double-jointed...".

For someone who is so self-righteous when it comes to not drinking or taking drugs, I don't see how doing either of those things is any different from the instant self-gratification of anonymous sex with multiple partners.

I read on the site that one ep will be about their daughter starting to date, I really hope he doesn't go for the stereotype of Hulk Hogan and be all over her all the time, although I know with his reputation for being a womanizer he may be really scared.

They'll just recycle the script used on all reality shows. Dad initially refuses to allow daughter to date. He finally gives in, proceeds to give the prospective boyfriend the third degree, threaten him with physical violence if he lays a hand on his precious princess, while daughter sits nearby hissing "Daaaaad" in utter humiliation, alternately pouting and rolling her eyes. Next episode, Mum and the kids force Dad to go on a health diet exercise regime which involve some wacky hi-jinks along the way.

[Gharlane]

Checked out the site, I think his son looks more like Paul Stanley.

That comes as no surprise, as band members have a way of passing their groupies amongst them. *ahem*
That said, I have no intention of watching this dirtbag's show.

[IvySpice]

My guess is that she probably lets him screw around on the side and doesn't care.

It's not a guess; it's a matter of record, IIR one of those VH1 metal retrospectives correctly. She does, in fact, care that he screws around; she's just willing to put up with it for reasons known only to her*. She further said on the VH1 show that it isn't really an open marriage per se, because although he sleeps around, she is NOT allowed to be with other men. Lovely example to set for your daughter, Shannon.

*Gene does get a pretty good bedroom review from metal groupie central: http://www.metalslud...o...0&Itemid=54

[rulla lenzka]

Oh my, I forgot about Metal Sludge! I love that site, and I always spend entirely too much time checking it out when I go there. I know I'm a voyer, if you will, but those "reviews" are so funny. It's great to see the groupies use the rockers as a notch in their bustier, just as the rockers are using them.

I kind of feel sorry for the guys (not really) having all their pertainent information up on the boards for all the world to see.

Gene has always been vocal about not drinking or using drugs, and in an interview I saw or heard he said very adamently that he would "never" sleep with a woman who was drunk since she didn't want to experience sex with him, or something like that. I saw another little snippet with Shannon on I think the "Rockstar girlfriends and wives" countdown that at first she wasn't into Gene, However after a few drinks she was ok. So even she needed a few to take the edge off.

[SoCalHeat]

For someone who is so self-righteous when it comes to not drinking or taking drugs, I don't see how doing either of those things is any different from the instant self-gratification of anonymous sex with multiple partners.

With his *3000* sex partners, many of them groupies, has anyone seen Simmons response to "What about STDs?" I'd love to see him smugly pontificate on that subject.
Shannon had to take a drink to sleep with him? Ahhaahaha.

Checked out the site, I think his son looks more like Paul Stanley.

Bet smug Gene will avoid a DNA test as much as he avoids drugs and booze.

Oh and on that note, i was present at a Kiss concert in the days when everything went. Person in the front stage had a huge bong and was blowing hits to Paul Stanley. Smoke went all over the stage. For that matter the whole building was smokey. So Simmons has "done" pot via secondhand smoke from 1972-1980, wether he wants to admit it or not.

[Faxinator]

Not that anyone really cares one way or the other, I'm sure, but I would like to chime in that, taking his character flaws (we all have 'em) into account, Gene Simmons is actually quite a nice fellow.

In fact, I would have to say that in all the time I've spent with the members of KISS, Gene seems by far the least wild, most grounded, least offensive, and overall most generally "good person-ish" of all of them.

In our discussions he has also impressed me as being very intelligent, the polar opposite of Mr. Stanley in that regard.

[rulla lenzka]

Faxinator I have no doubt that Gene is very intelligent, on the site I read that he speaks several languages. I just wonder why he would not bring that good person vibe to an interview? Like I said before on the site he seems very loving toward his children and wife( I know they aren't married but I am going to refer to her that way) and like a nice family guy.

I heard him on the aformentioned "Fresh Air" program and he just did not try to even sound like anything but arrogant and dissmisive.

I'm not trying to be confrontational, I'm just curious, that a person could be so different in that respect. Since you know him what are your thoughts on that?

[JDub1]

I don't know why, but I find it funny that he used to be an elementary school teacher.

I don't know much about him, but I always figured he was an arrogant asshole. I saw him quite awhile back on Politically Incorrect and wanted to hate him, but I was suprised to find out how intelligent he was. He was well spoken and quite knowledgable about the issues they addressed, and I found myself liking him by the end. Although I still think he's a pig. And, he supported Bush in the last election, so I'm back to not being too thrilled about him.

I thought I heard Shannon say on some VH1 show that it was not an open relationship. I can recall her saying "over my dead body". This may have been the same time she said "He opted not to marry. I opted not to bitch about it".

I'll be checking it out tonight.

Edited by JDub1, Aug 7, 2006 @ 1:31 PM.

[SoCalHeat]

Not that anyone really cares one way or the other, I'm sure, but I would like to chime in that, taking his character flaws (we all have 'em) into account, Gene Simmons is actually quite a nice fellow.

Sure I'd be all for hearing his good qualities. Maybe with his multimillions he's really nice about helping out people who need money or items. By that i don't mean your classic Hollywood platic P.R. person telling him to "donate here, and we will publicize for maximum effect, baybee" but rather maybe Gene is really good hearted with his extra cash. Do you see Faxinator, how he does come across as very selfish and egotistical, ie he can sleep around but Shannon is supposed to be (and apparantly is) the submissive Middle Eastern concubine?

In fact, I would have to say that in all the time I've spent with the members of KISS, Gene seems by far the least wild, most grounded, least offensive, and overall most generally "good person-ish" of all of them.

Can you tell us what capacity you spent time with him large/repeated amounts of time with him? This isn't Genes current publicist, is it? <smilie>

[ceebeedubya]

I dunno, as the wife of a KISS fan who fully recognizes that Gene's bottom line is the money, I have to think that Gene is playing a role when he's being interviewed. I mean, the 3000 women line is just too far-fetched to be believed, especially when coming from a rather average-looking guy like Gene. I honestly think that he's just playing "Gene Simmons of KISS", the sex & drugs & rock 'n roll persona (minus the drugs, I guess). It's all about the product with him...and he's the product, as is KISS.

[Faxinator]

I'm not trying to be confrontational, I'm just curious, that a person could be so different in that respect. Since you know him what are your thoughts on that?

All I can tell you is that his public persona and his private persona have been, at least to me, quite different. I believe that there is a good amount of playing it for the cameras when he's in an interview.

I can only liken it to another former public figure who I was quite close to for many years who was, in public life, a bit of an arrogant a**hole but in private was one of the nicest, most self-deprecating and easy to like people I've ever met. That was Sam Wyche, former head coach of the NFL Bengals and Buccaneers. When he was here in Tampa, Sam and I got quite close, and one day we were having a discussion and I asked him:

"Sam, I see you as a completely different person that the guy who is portrayed in the media. Why isn't THIS the Sam Wyche that all the fans and media see?"

Sam's answer:

"Because that's not who people are paying to see. They're paying to see the other guy."

Sam implied that nice guy Sam is boring, while a**hole Sam is entertaining.

Now I'm not saying that's right, and I'm not saying that's what Gene's philosophy is because I've never asked. However, I can see how someone in Sam's position (and Gene's, since he's an even bigger name) would have that mentality.

Can you tell us what capacity you spent time with him large/repeated amounts of time with him? This isn't Genes current publicist, is it? <smilie>

A very close friend of mine is cousin to Ace Frehley. He, too, had a (lesser-known) rock band, and I produced a number of shows for them including a full complement of tour dates in Florida. In doing so, I spent a lot of time with Ace who was invested in trying to help them become a success in their own right.

In the course of that, Ace and I became well acquainted, and I ended acting as a liason for KISS on most of their southeastern US tour dates, as well as helping him during the brief run of Frehley's Comet in the mid-1980's. I ended up spending quite a bit of time with the entire band during the 1980's and beyond, though I've not had much contact, other than a phone call from time to time, over the past 10 years.

[cleopatraseven]

Now I'm not saying that's right, and I'm not saying that's what Gene's philosophy is because I've never asked. However, I can see how someone in Sam's position (and Gene's, since he's an even bigger name) would have that mentality.

But's that mentality is insulting to the fans (or in my case, former fans) who grew up with KISS. I worshipped them from the time I was 12 until I was about 20 when I became aware of the merchandise juggernaut and how I was expected to feed into that. Also, now that I'm 42, Gene is spouting the same crap in interviews that he did when I was 12. I'm not 12 anymore and his canned lines bore me to tears and insult me because it's like he's playing to people who haven't changed since the 70's.

The last time I saw him Howard Stern, maybe four years ago, he walked straight up to some chick in the hall that he had never seen before and pulled her tube top down and started squeezing her breasts. Didn't say a word, just walked right up to her and yanked her top down. Now, she was there to meet him, so maybe she got off on that, I don't know, but still....He didn't know whether she was there in the context of a true fan or a groupie, but he still made the assumption that she was a groupie. He treated Terri Gross like she SHOULD have been in groupie mode when she interviewed him and everytime she got him talking about something that had potential, like his childhood in Israel he would flip back into asshole mode and the interview just went to shit. That's when I started to strongly dislike him.

Someone upthread had trouble believing that a below average looking guy like Gene could get 3000 women. Being around musicians and groupies and that whole scene in general for the better part of my younger (foolishly squandered) life, let me tell you that 3000 women is probably a low estimate. Some women, and I mean beautiful women, will sleep with anyone in a band and it does not matter one bit what you look like. In fact, they will blow off gorgeous guys who are not in a band because they want to fuck a name, not a real person. It's pathological.

[Faxinator]

But's that mentality is insulting to the fans (or in my case, former fans) who grew up with KISS.

Again, I'm not saying it's right. In fact, I think it screams of insecurity.

[SlinkyKat]

KeyOui:
I'm just interested in seeing how Shannon justifies staying with such a caricature of a has-been who's been reduced to famewhoring himself on two reality shows on basic cable in some lame attempt to relive his former glory days

Ooh, ooh! Don't forget that wretched cartoon he produced for Nickelodeon, My Dad the Rock Star!

[circe221]

I am neither a Gene fan, nor a KISS fan, but I might watch this for a laugh. KISS was popular when I was little and they scared me. I remember seeing the posters on my friend's older brother's wall and having nightmares.

A close friend of mine is a *huge* KISS fan and recently made a pilgrimage to Myrtle Beach to go to the new KISS Koffeehouse there.

Everytime I think of KISS/Gene Simmons I remember the bit on Stern with him whoring out every product known to man with a KISS logo on it.

[LynninMN]

I am finding the show kinda boring....is it just me? And I like KISS!!

[Lyddie]

devoted family man (without the legal documentation - oh so hip for some LOL)

Tweed mentioned on The View that they have a legal document that gives her with a pension and other financial protections. I think they called it a "cohabitation agreement."

[Ananayel]

I liked this a lot. The kids didn't grate on my last nerve like Kelly and Jack Osbourne, and it's nice to see a somewhat more equal relationship than Sharon and medicated Ozzy (I think he is/was off medication for a while, but on the first season he was just a mess.) They are a bit odd, but seem quite functional as a family.

It's funny how they all call him "Genie," and him imitating the Count from Sesame Street, with them all joining in, was pretty much enough to win me over all by itself. If they confine the "why can't I have a wedding" business to that one episode, I'm good with that.

[jjfc]

I really enjoyed this much more than The Osbournes. Going in, I had no feelings good or bad about Gene Simmons or Kiss, so that was possibly helpful. And what I got from the second episode is that Gene is more of a marketing person than anything else. I enjoyed him buying his shirt so it wouldn't be devalued.

The kids are great. You can tell they love their dad, but it's not obnoxious. I would like to see more of Shannon. (and Snips?)